How to say "restraint" in Japanese

• 制限せいげんJLPT N3approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbRestraint as a limit or restriction imposed on something — a cap on how much or how far. Think of rules or regulations that restrict what is allowed, rather than of holding oneself back.
  制限せいげんスピードを超こえるなよ。↗

  Don't go beyond the speed limit.
• 束縛そくばくJLPT N1approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbRestraint in the sense of being bound or tied down, often felt as oppressive. Use it for being shackled by obligations, ties, or conventions that deprive one of freedom.
  私は一ひとつの会社かいしゃに束縛そくばくされたくない。↗

  I don't want to be tied to one company.
• 遠慮えんりょJLPT N4approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, transitive verb, intransitive verbRestraint as holding back out of consideration, modesty, or diffidence — social self-restraint. It covers refraining from doing or saying something so as not to impose on others, and politely declining.
• 抑制よくせいJLPT N1approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbRestraint as self-control — checking or holding in emotions, impulses, and desires. This is the word for keeping one's temper, appetite, or urges under control; the emphasis is on mastering oneself.
  彼かれは怒いかりを抑制よくせいすることができなかった。↗

  He could not control his anger.
• 拘束こうそくJLPT N1approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbRestraint in the physical sense — being held, bound, or detained so that one cannot move or act freely. It also covers being tied up by commitments or conditions that confine one's time and actions.
  この決定けっていは諸君しょくん全部ぜんぶを拘束こうそくするものではない。↗

  This decision is not binding on all of you.

Pick by what is being restrained: 制限 for imposed limits, 束縛 for being bound or tied down, 遠慮 for holding back out of politeness or modesty, 抑制 for controlling emotions and impulses, 拘束 for physical restraint.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 制限せいげんrestriction
• 束縛そくばくrestraint
• 遠慮えんりょreserve
• 抑制よくせいcontrol
• 拘束こうそくrestriction
• 抑圧よくあつcheck
• 制止せいしcontrol
• 制せいsystem
• 抑止よくしkeeping in check
• 牽制けんせいcheck
• 牽束けんそくrestraint
• 掣肘せいちゅうrestraint
• 控制こうせいrestraint
• 繋縛けいばくconstraint
• 止め立てとめだてrestraining (someone)
• 縛ばくtying up
• 枷かせshackles
• 忌憚きたんreserve
• 歯止めはどめbrake (on inflation, spending, etc.)
• たしなみmodesty
• 斟酌しんしゃくreserve