How to say "restrict" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 限るかぎるgodan verb, transitive verbCovers restrict in the sense of limiting or confining: setting bounds on what is allowed or how much. Choose it when the idea is a limit rather than a binding of freedom.
- 縛るしばるgodan verb, transitive verbCovers restrict freedom: tying down with rules or regulations, fettering; the image is of being bound. Use it when the point is constraint of freedom rather than setting a limit.
Choose 「限る」 when restrict means to limit or confine—setting bounds on what is allowed or how much—and 「縛る」 when it means to restrict freedom, tying someone down with rules or regulations.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
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