控え (ひかえ, hikae) Japanese meaning: reserve

控え (ひかえ, hikae) Japanese meaning: reserve | Kotomora

Kanji

控withdraw, draw in, hold back
扣knock, strike, rap

Related words· 7

予よ備びN2sense 1
予備 refers to something stockpiled for possible future use, while 控え often refers to a specific person or item ready to step in right away.
コピーN4sense 3
コピー is a mechanical, identical duplicate, while 控え can be a handwritten note or personal record that isn't a perfect copy.
メモN4sense 2
メモ is a quick, casual jotting, while 控え suggests a more deliberately kept record for later reference.
補ほ欠けつN1
控え emphasizes someone waiting in reserve as a backup, while 補欠 emphasizes being the designated alternate who fills a vacant slot or position.

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リザーブ
控え is the natural Japanese word for a substitute or backup player, whereas リザーブ conveys the same idea with a more foreign, specialized feel.
バックアップ
控え is a native word for a spare copy or reserve, while バックアップ is the loanword specifically used for data backups in computing.
代だい役やく
控え refers to a reserve or backup player kept on standby, while 代役 is the person who actually steps in to replace someone.

Opposites

レギュラーN1sense 1
レギュラー is a starting or regular member, the opposite of 控え, who waits on the bench as a backup.
スターター
控え means a bench or reserve player, the opposite of スターター as a starting player in the lineup.

Don't confuse with

手て控びかえ
控え is a broader word for a reserve, backup copy, or standby role, whereas 手控え specifically means a personal note kept for reference or the act of deliberately holding back.

Word family· 17

控ひかえるN2
refrain; hold back; abstain · note down; jot down; record · be in waiting; stand by; be ready · be imminent; be around the corner · have behind one; be backed by
控ひかえめ
moderate; reserved; modest; restrained; low-key
控ひかえ室しつN1
waiting room; anteroom; green room
買かい

Written forms

控ひかえUsage100%
Standard kanji spelling for all senses.
扣ひかえ
Rare variant kanji form; not commonly used.

Etymology

Derived from the verb 控える (ひかえる, 'to wait, to be on standby, to make a note'). The noun form 控え refers to something held back or kept in reserve, a written record, or a person waiting.

控ひかえ

Meanings

Usage patterns

Expressions