How to say "self-control" in Japanese

• 自制じせいCommon
  noun, suru verb, transitive verb, intransitive verbThe most direct equivalent for self-control as keeping your own impulses, emotions, or desires in check; an abstract noun for the general capacity or act of restraining yourself.
  君きみは自制じせいしなければならない。↗

  You must control yourself.
• 自律じりつCommon
  nounCovers self-control in the sense of self-discipline and autonomy: governing yourself and staying disciplined rather than suppressing a particular urge or emotion in the moment.
• 慎みつつしみCommon
  nounHere self-control means restrained, modest, discreet conduct rather than willpower over impulses; the word is really about modesty and discretion, so it is only a marginal match for plain self-control.
  若わかい娘むすめには慎つつしみが似につかわしい。↗

  Modesty is befitting to a young girl.
• 我慢がまんJLPT N3approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, intransitive verbSelf-control as holding back an urge or desire, or putting up with pain and hardship; it points to enduring a particular situation rather than a general strength of character.

Choose 自制 for restraining your own impulses and emotions, 自律 for self-discipline and autonomy, 「慎み」 for modest, discreet restraint of behavior, and 我慢 for holding back an urge or enduring discomfort.

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

• 自制じせいself-control
• 自律じりつautonomy
• 慎みつつしみmodesty
• 克己こっきself-control
• 自制心じせいしんself-control
• セルフコントロールself-control
• 自己抑制じこよくせいself-restraint
• 我慢がまんself-control