How to say "restrain" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 引き止めるひきとめるichidan verb, transitive verbCovers restraining a person from leaving or going somewhere, physically or by persuasion, as in detaining a guest or stopping a departing colleague. It applies to people, not emotions or abstract things.
- 抑えるおさえるichidan verb, transitive verbThe usual choice for restraining emotions, urges, or spending—keeping something within limits or under control. This is the word you want for the abstract, self-control sense of 'restrain'.
- 捕まえるつかまえるichidan verb, transitive verbMeans to catch, seize, or arrest, and only touches 'restrain' when physical capture is meant. It is seldom the word you want for abstract restraint; it is really about grabbing or apprehending someone.
- godan verb, transitive verbMeans to tie or fasten things together, as with a rope, and matches 'restrain' only in that physical tying sense. For restraining a person or emotion it is a poor choice.
Use 「抑える」 for holding emotions or spending in check, 「引き止める」 for stopping someone from leaving, and reserve 「捕まえる」 and 「つなぐ」 for physical catching or tying, not abstract restraint.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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