控える・扣える|ひかえるhikaeru[3]nakadaka (mid-high)
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Which spelling to use
控える控える is the common kanji-and-kana form. Learners should use it when writing this word.
扣える扌える is a rarely used kanji-and-kana variant of 控える. Learners should normally use 控える instead.
Definitions
- ichidan verb, transitive verbto be temperate in; to refrain; to abstain; to hold back; to restrain oneself from excessive ...
- ichidan verb, transitive verbto make notes; to jot down (e.g. phone number)
- ichidan verb, intransitive verbto be in preparation for; to be in waiting for
- ichidan verb, intransitive verbto be soon; to be in the offing
- ichidan verb, transitive verbto be in a close relationship (e.g. as a backer, etc.)
Conjugation
| Dictionary form | 控える（ひかえる） |
|---|---|
| Polite (masu) | 控えます（ひかえます） |
| Negative (nai) | 控えない（ひかえない） |
| polite (masen) | 控えません（ひかえません） |
| classical zu / nu | 控えず・控えぬ（ひかえず・ひかえぬ） |
| Past (ta) | 控えた（ひかえた） |
| polite (mashita) | 控えました（ひかえました） |
| Past negative (nakatta) | 控えなかった（ひかえなかった） |
| polite (masen deshita) | 控えませんでした（ひかえませんでした） |
| Te form | 控えて（ひかえて） |
| Potential | 控えられる（ひかえられる） |
| Passive | 控えられる（ひかえられる） |
| Causative | 控えさせる（ひかえさせる） |
| Causative passive | 控えさせられる（ひかえさせられる） |
| Conditional (ba) | 控えれば（ひかえれば） |
| tara | 控えたら（ひかえたら） |
| Volitional | 控えよう（ひかえよう） |
| polite (mashou) | 控えましょう（ひかえましょう） |
| Imperative | 控えろ（ひかえろ） |
Common forms generated by rule; see the senses for honorific or irregular usage.
Synonyms & antonyms
- Synonym避けるさけるNeutralEveryday verb for keeping away from something, as in 「人目を避ける」; 「控える」 is deliberate self-restraint.
- Synonym記載きさいWrittenWritten word for putting something in a document, a formal record; 「控える」 is jotting a quick note for yourself.
- Synonym書き留めるかきとめるNeutralVerb for writing something down so you won't forget, as in 「電話番号を書き留める」; interchangeable with 「控える」 in this sense.
- Related回避かいひWrittenWritten word for steering clear of risks or responsibilities, as in 「リスクを回避する」; 「控える」 is about restraining yourself and doing less.
- Related待機たいきWrittenWritten word for standing by ready for orders, as in 「自宅待機」; close to 「控える」's waiting sense but more official.
- Related保留ほりゅうNeutralPutting a decision on hold or keeping things as they are, as in 「回答を保留する」; 「控える」 is about holding back from doing.
- Related待つまつNeutralThe most common word for waiting; 「控える」's waiting sense means standing by nearby or behind the scenes, as in 「控え室」.
- Antonym放すはなすNeutralAntonym: to let go or release; opposite of 「控える」 when it means holding someone or something back.
Use 「控える」 for cutting back (「酒を控える」), jotting down (「番号を控える」), or waiting in the wings. To dodge something say 「避ける」; to stand by, 「待機」; for writing down, 「書き留める」 also works.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese definitions
Kanji in this word
English equivalents
See also
