しがらみ

noun

weir; fish trap

A traditional river structure made of bamboo or brushwood to trap fish. This is the original literal meaning, now somewhat specialized.

• 川かわにしがらみを仕し掛かけて魚さかなを捕とる。

  They set up a weir in the river to catch fish.

noun

bonds; fetters; ties of obligation

Figurative use referring to social, emotional, or moral constraints that restrict one's freedom. Often used in expressions like しがらみに縛られる (to be bound by ties of obligation).

• 彼かれは会かい社しゃのしがらみに縛しばられて自じ由ゆうに動うごけない。

  He is bound by company obligations and cannot act freely.

• 人にん間げん関かん係けいのしがらみから解かい放ほうされたい。

  I want to be free from the fetters of personal relationships.