控えます（ひかえます、hikaemasu）
- to refrain

The Japanese verb 控えます (ひかえます - *hikaemasu*) has several related meanings, all revolving around the idea of restraint, moderation, or avoidance. It often implies a conscious decision to limit something. The specific meaning depends heavily on the context in which it's used. Some of the most common meanings include: ⚫︎ To refrain from doing something, to abstain. ⚫︎ To moderate, to limit, to cut down on something (like food, drinks, or spending). ⚫︎ To be careful, to be cautious. ⚫︎ To take notes, to write down, to make a memorandum (this meaning is less common). ⚫︎ To be next in line, to be waiting (this meaning is very specific and less frequent). ⚫︎ To be kept, to be withheld (e.g., information). The core concept is always one of *控え* (hikae), or restraint. The kanji used is 控, which further emphasizes this meaning.

⚫︎ 食べ過ぎを控えています。 Translation: I'm refraining from overeating. ⚫︎ お酒を少し控えます。 Translation: I'll cut down on alcohol a bit. ⚫︎ 発言を控えてください。 Translation: Please refrain from speaking.

控えます is a versatile verb, and the specific nuance will be clarified by the surrounding context. It's often used in formal and polite situations. You can use it in various situations: ⚫︎ When giving advice: "You should *控えて*... (You should refrain from...)" ⚫︎ When talking about personal habits: "I *控えて* (I restrain myself...)" ⚫︎ When expressing a caution: "Please *控えて*..." ⚫︎ When talking about plans or events (the "waiting" meaning): "次の出番を控えています。" (I am waiting for my next turn.) When using it, pay attention to the particles used. The particle を is often used with things you're limiting or refraining from (like food, drinks, or an action). The particle に can be used when it implies waiting.

⚫︎ The word is typically written with the kanji 控 combined with the hiragana えます: 控えます. ⚫︎ The base form is 控える (*hikaeru*). ⚫︎ The polite form (masu-form) is 控えます (*hikaemasu*). ⚫︎ Variations include 控えている (*hikaete iru*, "is refraining from"), 控えた (*hikaeta*, past tense), 控えてください (*hikaete kudasai*, "please refrain from"). ⚫︎ Okurigana (the suffix hiragana) is usually consistent: 控えます,控える.

⚫︎ 自制する (*jisei suru*) - to restrain oneself, to exercise self-control ⚫︎ 遠慮する (*enryo suru*) - to refrain, to hesitate ⚫︎ 避ける (*sakeru*) - to avoid ⚫︎ 我慢する (*gaman suru*) - to endure, to put up with (can also mean to refrain) ⚫︎ 制限する (*seigen suru*) - to restrict, to limit

⚫︎ The direct antonyms depend on the specific meaning being used. Generally, there isn't one single perfect antonym. However, some possibilities: ⚫︎ 食べる (*taberu*) - to eat (opposite of refraining from eating) ⚫︎ 飲む (*nomu*) - to drink (opposite of refraining from drinking) ⚫︎ する (*suru*) - to do (opposite of refraining from doing something) ⚫︎ 増やす (*fuyasu*) - to increase (opposite of limiting)

健康のために、甘いものを控えるようにしています。 ・Translation: For my health, I try to refrain from eating sweets. ・Explanation: This sentence illustrates the meaning of 控える as "to refrain" or "to cut down on" something for a specific purpose (health).

会議では、余計な発言を控えるように言われました。 ・Translation: I was told to refrain from making unnecessary remarks in the meeting. ・Explanation: This sentence uses 控える to mean "to refrain" or "to avoid." It is related to speech and actions.

⚫︎ The kanji 控 originally meant "to lead" or "to draw back." Over time, the meaning evolved to include restraint, control, and being on the side. The etymology emphasizes the idea of holding something back or keeping it under control. The verb form comes from this kanji.