How to say "restriction" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 制限せいげんnoun, suru verb, transitive verbThe most general word for restriction: limiting what is allowed or possible, whether by rule or circumstance, as in caps on speed, numbers, entry, or hours; it also means the limit itself.
- 限定げんていsuru verb, transitive verb, no-adjectiveCovers restriction in the sense of narrowing something to a set scope — a particular group, time, or number. For general restrictions on behavior it is seldom the word you want; it is really 'limit'.
- 拘束こうそくnoun, suru verb, transitive verbRestriction as binding or restraint: physically holding a person, as in detention, or figuratively tying down someone's freedom of action; also used for constraints that bind what is possible.
- 制約せいやくnoun, suru verb, transitive verbRestriction as a condition or constraint limiting what one can do, typically imposed by circumstances, rules, or limited resources; the word you want when talking of working under constraints.
- 束縛そくばくnoun, suru verb, transitive verbRestriction only in the figurative sense of fetters: bonds such as duty, convention, or family that tie a person down. For plain restrictions it is seldom the word you want; it is really 'fetters'.
Choose 制限 for the general sense of limiting what is allowed, 限定 for narrowing scope to a set range, 制約 for conditions or constraints, 拘束 for binding a person's freedom, and 束縛 for figurative fetters.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
This browser can't play pronunciations (needs Safari 18.4 or later, or Chrome / Edge / Firefox).
