Translation guide
The ability to control one's emotions, desires, and actions, especially in difficult situations. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through nouns, verbs, and phrases that emphasize endurance, restraint, and composure.
Expressing the general ability to control one's impulses, emotions, or behavior.
The most direct and common noun for self-control or self-restraint. Used in both formal and everyday contexts.
自制心を持つことが大切です。
It's important to have self-control.
彼は自制心が強い。
He has strong self-control.
A more formal or literary term for self-control, often implying overcoming one's own desires or weaknesses. Used in philosophical or self-improvement contexts.
克己心を養う。
Cultivate self-control.
A common verbal phrase meaning 'to restrain oneself' or 'to control oneself'. Used in everyday speech.
怒りを感じたが、自分を抑えた。
I felt anger, but I controlled myself.
甘いものを食べたいけど、自分を抑えなきゃ。
I want to eat sweets, but I have to control myself.
Endurance, patience, or self-restraint, often in the face of hardship or temptation. Very common in daily life.
ダイエット中だから、ケーキは我慢する。
I'm on a diet, so I'll resist the cake.
彼は痛みを我慢した。
He endured the pain.
The noun for 'self-control' as a quality or virtue. Often used in psychological or self-help contexts.
自制心を鍛える方法を教えてください。
Please tell me how to build self-control.
Keeping one's cool, not showing emotions, staying calm under pressure.
To maintain composure or stay calm. Used when someone controls their emotions in a tense situation.
彼はどんな時でも冷静さを保つ。
He stays calm no matter what.
冷静さを保って話し合いましょう。
Let's discuss this calmly.
Composure, calmness, presence of mind. Often used to describe a person's demeanor.
To suppress or control one's emotions. Used when holding back feelings like anger or sadness.
彼は感情を抑えて冷静に話した。
He controlled his emotions and spoke calmly.
Not giving in to desires, especially for food, drink, or other pleasures.
To not give in to temptation. Common in contexts like dieting, quitting smoking, or avoiding distractions.
甘いものの誘惑に負けないようにしている。
I'm trying not to give in to the temptation of sweets.
To control one's desires. Slightly more formal, used in self-help or philosophical discussions.
欲望を抑えることが修行の目的だ。
Controlling desires is the purpose of ascetic training.
Temperance, moderation, especially in eating and drinking. A somewhat formal or old-fashioned term.
The ability to stick to a routine, practice, or moral code without giving up.
Self-discipline, autonomy, self-regulation. Often used in contexts of personal development, education, or management.
自律した学習が求められる。
Self-disciplined learning is required.
彼は自律心が強い。
He has strong self-discipline.
Self-cultivation, moral training, or discipline. Often associated with traditional arts or ethical improvement.
Both 自制 (jisei) and 我慢 (gaman) can be translated as 'self-control', but they have different nuances. 自制 is a conscious, active restraint of one's own actions or emotions, often with a positive connotation of willpower. 我慢 is more about enduring or putting up with something unpleasant, and can sometimes imply suffering in silence. Use 自制 for proactive self-control, and 我慢 for patient endurance.
The English phrase 'control yourself' can sound harsh if translated literally as 自分をコントロールしなさい. In Japanese, it's more natural to use phrases like 落ち着いて (calm down) or 自分を抑えて (restrain yourself) depending on the context. Avoid direct translations that may sound robotic or aggressive.
彼女はいつも落ち着きがある。
She always has composure.
節制した生活を送る。
Lead a life of moderation.
修養を積む。
Cultivate self-discipline.