How to say "withhold" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 見合わせるみあわせるichidan verb, transitive verbCovers 'withhold' in the sense of suspending or putting off an action or event, such as halting a plan or activity for the time being. Its core nuance is postponement rather than deliberate restraint.
- 差し控えるさしひかえるichidan verb, transitive verbCovers 'withhold' in the sense of deliberately refraining from doing something, especially withholding an announcement or comment. Use this when the emphasis is on choosing not to say or do something.
Use 「見合わせる」 for suspending or putting off an action or event, and 「差し控える」 for deliberately refraining from doing something or withholding announcements or comments.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
