When you want to express suppressing or controlling something, like pain or emotions, the verb 抑える (osaeru) is very useful. It's often used when you need to keep something from getting out of hand or to hold it back. Think of it as a way to manage or keep in check. For example, if you have a headache, you might try to 抑える the pain. Or, if you're feeling angry, you might try to 抑える your anger.
When you're learning Japanese at a B1 level, you're moving beyond basic survival phrases. Verbs like 抑える (おさえる) become important for expressing more nuanced ideas. You'll encounter this verb when talking about managing things like emotions, pain, or even stopping something from spreading. It's a useful word to know for describing situations where you need to keep something in check or under control.
When you want to express suppressing or controlling something, like pain or emotions, the verb 抑える (おさえる) is a good choice. It's often used when you are actively trying to keep something from getting worse or becoming too strong. Think of it as holding something down or keeping it in check.
For example, you might use it if you are trying to 抑える a sneeze, or if you are trying to 抑える your anger. It implies a conscious effort to manage a situation or feeling. This word is really useful for describing situations where self-control or management is key.
When discussing 抑える (osaeru) at a C1 level, we move beyond simple suppression of physical sensations like pain. We're now talking about more abstract concepts.
Think about its use in contexts like 感情を抑える (kanjou o osaeru), which means to control one's emotions. This is a common and important usage.
It can also refer to keeping something within certain bounds, such as 支出を抑える (shishutsu o osaeru), meaning to curb expenses.
Another nuanced usage is in terms of making something less conspicuous or toning it down, like 表現を抑える (hyougen o osaeru), to soften one's expression. This shows a deeper understanding of its application in social and communicative contexts.
When you want to express the idea of suppressing or controlling something, like pain or emotions, the verb 「抑える」(osaeru) is a useful word to know. It’s often used in situations where there’s something undesirable that needs to be held back or kept in check. For instance, if you have a headache, you might take medicine to 「痛みを抑える」(itami o osaeru), meaning to suppress the pain.
It can also refer to controlling a strong reaction or impulse. Imagine you're very angry but manage to stay calm; you could say you 「感情を抑える」(kanjou o osaeru), which means to control your emotions. This verb implies a deliberate effort to manage or reduce the intensity of something.
§ What does 抑える (osaeru) mean?
The Japanese verb 抑える (おさえる, osaeru) is a really useful word that you'll hear and see a lot. It generally means 'to suppress' or 'to control.' Think of it as putting a lid on something, whether that's a physical object, a feeling, or a situation. It's about keeping something down, preventing it from getting out of hand, or reducing its intensity.
At its core, 抑える implies an action of holding back or restraining. This can be quite literal, like holding something down with your hand, or it can be more abstract, like controlling an emotion or a budget. It's a versatile verb, and understanding its nuances will significantly improve your Japanese comprehension and expression. It's rated B1 on the CEFR scale, which means it's a common and important word for intermediate learners to master.
§ When do people use 抑える (osaeru)?
You'll find 抑える used in a wide range of situations. Here are some of the most common contexts:
- Physical Control: This is perhaps the most straightforward use. It means to physically hold something down or press on it.
風で飛ばされないように、紙をしっかり抑えてください。
Please hold the paper down firmly so it doesn't blow away in the wind.
- Controlling Emotions or Feelings: This is a very common and important usage. When you want to express that someone is holding back their anger, sadness, or excitement, 抑える is the word to use.
彼は怒りを抑えるのに苦労した。
He struggled to suppress his anger.
涙を抑えることができなかった。
I couldn't hold back my tears.
- Controlling Pain or Symptoms: When you take medicine to alleviate pain or symptoms, you are 'suppressing' them.
この薬は痛みを抑える効果があります。
This medicine has the effect of suppressing pain.
- Controlling Costs or Spending: In financial contexts, 抑える is used to talk about reducing or keeping costs down.
私たちは出費を抑える必要がある。
We need to control our expenses.
- Controlling a Movement or Uprising: In a more serious context, it can refer to quelling a riot or suppressing a rebellion.
政府は反乱を抑えるために軍隊を派遣した。
The government dispatched troops to suppress the rebellion.
§ Key points about 抑える (osaeru)
- Transitive Verb
- 抑える is a transitive verb, meaning it generally takes a direct object. You 'suppress something' or 'control something.'
- Kanji Meaning
- The kanji 抑 itself conveys the meaning of 'press down,' 'check,' or 'restrain,' which aligns perfectly with the verb's usage.
By familiarizing yourself with these common uses, you'll be well on your way to effectively using 抑える in your own Japanese conversations and writing. Pay attention to the context, and you'll quickly grasp its meaning every time.
Grammar to Know
When 抑える is used to mean 'to suppress' or 'to hold down' a physical object or an emotion, it often takes a direct object marked by the particle を (o).
感情を抑える (kanjou o osaeru) - to suppress one's emotions
When 抑える refers to 'controlling' or 'keeping something in check,' especially abstract concepts like expenses or an increase, it also typically uses the direct object particle を (o).
出費を抑える (shuppi o osaeru) - to keep expenses down
The potential form of 抑える is 抑えられる (osaerareru), meaning 'to be able to suppress/control.'
痛みを抑えられない (itami o osaerarenai) - cannot suppress the pain
When 抑える is used in a more literal sense of 'holding down' or 'pinning down' something, it can be followed by verbs like ている (te iru) to indicate a continuous action.
彼の手を抑えている (kare no te o osaete iru) - I am holding his hand down
The passive form of 抑える is 抑えられる (osaerareru), meaning 'to be suppressed/controlled by someone or something.' Note that this is the same form as the potential, so context is key.
政府によって情報が抑えられた (seifu ni yotte jouhou ga osaerareta) - The information was suppressed by the government
Examples by Level
痛みを抑える薬を飲んだ。
I took medicine to suppress the pain.
感情を抑えるのは難しい。
It's difficult to control emotions.
彼は怒りを抑えられなかった。
He couldn't suppress his anger.
声を出して笑うのを抑えた。
I held back from laughing out loud.
物価の上昇を抑える。
To curb the rise in prices.
警察が暴動を抑えた。
The police suppressed the riot.
支出を抑える必要がある。
It's necessary to control expenses.
風で帽子が飛ばされないように手で抑えた。
I held my hat down with my hand so it wouldn't be blown away by the wind.
彼女は感情を抑えるのが苦手です。
She's not good at controlling her emotions.
痛みを抑える薬を飲みました。
I took medicine to suppress the pain.
彼は怒りを抑えて話しました。
He spoke, suppressing his anger.
物価の上昇を抑える必要があります。
It's necessary to control the rise in prices.
声を出さずに笑いを抑えました。
I suppressed my laughter without making a sound.
予算を抑えるために、節約しています。
I'm saving money to keep the budget down.
災害の被害を最小限に抑える。
To minimize the damage from the disaster.
子供が騒ぐのを抑える。
To quiet the noisy children.
最近、感情を抑えるのが難しくなってきた。
Lately, it's become difficult to suppress my emotions.
痛みを抑えるために、すぐに薬を飲んだ。
I immediately took medicine to control the pain.
会議では、発言を抑えるように努めた。
In the meeting, I tried to restrain my comments.
政府はインフレを抑えるための対策を講じている。
The government is taking measures to curb inflation.
彼は怒りを抑えることができず、大声を出してしまった。
He couldn't control his anger and shouted loudly.
この薬はアレルギー反応を抑える効果があります。
This medicine has the effect of suppressing allergic reactions.
彼女は、涙を抑えながらも毅然とした態度を保った。
Even while suppressing her tears, she maintained a resolute attitude.
子供たちが騒ぐのを抑えるのに苦労した。
I had trouble quieting the children down.
Often Confused With
While '抑える' limits or reduces, '止める' brings to a complete halt.
Same pronunciation, but '押さえる' is strictly for physical holding down, while '抑える' has broader abstract applications.
Both mean 'to control,' but '制御する' is often more systematic and external, while '抑える' is about managing or reducing intensity.
Grammar Patterns
Easily Confused
Many English speakers confuse '抑える' with other verbs that mean 'to hold down' or 'to restrain' because 'to suppress' can have similar connotations. However, '抑える' specifically implies controlling or limiting something that is already present or actively happening, rather than just physically holding it.
'抑える' focuses on managing or reducing the intensity, extent, or manifestation of something. Think of it as 'keeping something in check' or 'holding something back' from getting worse or becoming too much. It's often used for abstract concepts like emotions, pain, or costs, but can also be used for physical actions like holding down a sneeze or a shaking hand.
頭痛を抑える薬を飲んだ。 I took medicine to suppress my headache. (Hint: The headache was already there, and the medicine is reducing its effect.)
Both '抑える' and '止める' can be translated as 'to stop' or 'to control' in certain contexts, leading to confusion. The key difference lies in the degree and nature of the cessation.
'止める' means to bring something to a complete halt or to make it cease entirely. It's a more definitive stop. '抑える' is about moderating or limiting, not necessarily eliminating. You can suppress pain, but you might not stop it completely.
車を止めて、地図を確認した。 I stopped the car and checked the map. (Hint: The car came to a complete halt.)
This is a common point of confusion due to the identical pronunciation and similar kanji (the only difference is the radical). Learners often struggle to differentiate between the nuances.
'押さえる' almost exclusively refers to physically holding something down, pressing on something, or securing something in place. While '抑える' can have a physical aspect (like holding down a sneeze), its primary meaning extends to abstract control. '押さえる' is more concrete and physical.
風で帽子が飛ばされないように、手で押さえた。 I held down my hat with my hand so it wouldn't be blown away by the wind. (Hint: Physical action of holding something.)
Both '抑える' and '制御する' can mean 'to control.' The difference can be subtle, especially in technological or systematic contexts.
'制御する' implies a more systematic, often external, and deliberate control over a mechanism, process, or system. It suggests regulating something according to a plan or set of rules. '抑える' is often more about internal or personal effort to manage something, or to reduce its intensity. While '制御する' can be used for emotions, it often sounds more formal or technical.
ロボットを遠隔で制御する。 To control the robot remotely. (Hint: Systematic and external control.)
'制す' also means 'to control' or 'to suppress,' especially in a context of dominance or victory. Its formal tone can make it difficult to distinguish from '抑える' for everyday use.
'制す' carries a stronger connotation of overcoming, mastering, or gaining victory over something or someone. It implies a definitive win or establishment of control, often after a struggle or challenge. '抑える' is more about managing or mitigating, without necessarily implying a complete triumph.
敵の攻撃を制す。 To suppress/overcome the enemy's attack. (Hint: Implies successfully defeating or stopping a threat.)
Sentence Patterns
〜を抑える (osaeru)
痛みを抑える薬を飲んだ。(Itami o osaeru kusuri o nonda.) - I took medicine to suppress the pain.
〜を抑える (osaeru)
感情を抑えるのが難しかった。(Kanjō o osaeru no ga muzukashikatta.) - It was difficult to control my emotions.
〜を抑える (osaeru)
出費を抑えるために、自炊を始めた。(Shuppi o osaeru tame ni, jisui o hajimeta.) - To curb expenses, I started cooking for myself.
〜を抑える (osaeru)
彼は声のトーンを抑えて話した。(Kare wa koe no tōn o osaete hanashita.) - He spoke in a lowered (controlled) tone of voice.
〜を抑える (osaeru)
インフレを抑える政策が導入された。(Infure o osaeru seisaku ga dōnyū sareta.) - Policies to curb inflation were introduced.
〜を抑える (osaeru)
政府は情報の公開を抑えようとした。(Seifu wa jōhō no kōkai o osae-yō to shita.) - The government tried to restrict the release of information.
〜を抑える (osaeru)
笑いを抑えるのに必死だった。(Warai o osaeru no ni hisshi datta.) - I was desperately trying to suppress my laughter.
〜を抑える (osaeru)
人口増加を抑える必要がある。(Jinkō zōka o osaeru hitsuyō ga aru.) - It is necessary to control population growth.
How to Use It
When 抑える (osaeru) is used, it often implies a conscious effort to keep something in check or under control. It's not just about stopping something, but actively managing it to prevent it from becoming overwhelming. For instance, when you're trying to suppress a laugh, you're actively working to hold it in.
A common mistake is using 止める (tomeru) instead of 抑える (osaeru) when you mean to control or suppress. 止める (tomeru) means 'to stop completely,' while 抑える (osaeru) implies more of a 'hold back' or 'keep in check.'
For example, if you want to say 'I suppressed my anger,' you should use 怒りを抑えた (ikari o osaeta), not 怒りを止めた (ikari o tometa). The latter would sound like you completely eliminated your anger, rather than just held it in.
Tips
Basic Meaning of 抑える
The most common meaning of 抑える (osaeru) is to suppress or control something. Think of it as holding something down or keeping it in check.
Suppressing Emotions
You can use 抑える when talking about suppressing emotions. For example, 怒りを抑える (ikari o osaeru) means 'to suppress one's anger'.
Controlling Pain
This verb is often used for controlling or alleviating pain. 痛みを抑える (itami o osaeru) means 'to control the pain' or 'to relieve the pain'.
Holding Down Physically
In a more literal sense, 抑える can mean to physically hold something down. For instance, ドアを抑える (doa o osaeru) means 'to hold the door down' (e.g., against the wind).
Keeping Expenses Down
You can also use 抑える when discussing keeping expenses or costs down. 費用を抑える (hiyō o osaeru) means 'to keep expenses down'.
Focus on Context
Like many Japanese verbs, the exact nuance of 抑える depends heavily on the context. Always pay attention to the surrounding words.
Common Particle Use
抑える is typically used with the object particle を (o) to indicate what is being suppressed or controlled.
Distinguishing from 止める
While both can involve stopping, 抑える emphasizes controlling or reducing intensity, whereas 止める (tomeru) usually means to stop completely.
Practice with Examples
The best way to master 抑える is to practice using it in various sentences. Try to form your own examples related to emotions, pain, or costs.
Listen for Native Use
Pay attention to how native Japanese speakers use 抑える in everyday conversation, TV shows, or news to get a better feel for its natural usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsBoth 抑える (osaeru) and 制御する (seigyo suru) can mean 'to control,' but they have slightly different nuances. 抑える often implies a more immediate or physical act of holding something down, suppressing, or keeping something in check. Think of it as 'keeping a lid on it.' 制御する, on the other hand, often implies a more systematic or mechanical control, like controlling a machine or a complex system. You might 抑える a yawn, but you would 制御する a robot.
Absolutely! 抑える is very commonly used when talking about suppressing or controlling emotions. For example, 感情を抑える (kanjou o osaeru) means 'to control one's emotions' or 'to suppress one's feelings.' You might hear it used for anger, sadness, or excitement.
Not always. While it's often used with negative things like pain (痛みを抑える - itami o osaeru) or anger, it can also be used in more neutral contexts. For instance, you might use it to talk about keeping costs down (費用を抑える - hiyou o osaeru) or holding down a point (要点を抑える - youten o osaeru) meaning to grasp the key points. It's about keeping something in check or within certain limits.
Some common collocations include: 痛みを抑える (itami o osaeru - to suppress pain), 感情を抑える (kanjou o osaeru - to control emotions), 費用を抑える (hiyou o osaeru - to keep costs down), 声を抑える (koe o osaeru - to lower one's voice), and 要点を抑える (youten o osaeru - to grasp the main points).
You'll typically use the particle を (o) to mark the object that is being suppressed or controlled. For example, 彼は怒りを抑えた。 (Kare wa ikari o osaeta.) - He suppressed his anger. Or, 薬で痛みを抑えた。 (Kusuri de itami o osaeta.) - The medicine suppressed the pain.
抑える is almost always written with the kanji 抑える. While it's technically possible to write it in hiragana as おさえる, it's far less common and might look a bit childish or informal in many contexts. Stick to the kanji.
Yes, it can. You can say 自分を抑える (jibun o osaeru) to mean 'to control oneself' or 'to restrain oneself.' This is useful when talking about self-control in various situations.
A polite way would be もう少し声を抑えていただけますか？ (Mou sukoshi koe o osaete itadakemasu ka?) - 'Could you please lower your voice a little?' or もう少し声をお控えいただけますか？ (Mou sukoshi koe o ohikae itadakemasu ka?) using the humble form of 'refrain'.
Yes, absolutely. Imagine you're holding down a piece of paper so it doesn't blow away. You could say 紙を抑える (kami o osaeru). Or if you're holding down a blanket that's slipping. It implies a physical action to keep something in place or from moving.
止める (tomeru) means 'to stop' in a general sense, like stopping a car or stopping an action completely. 抑える (osaeru) is more about 'suppressing' or 'controlling' something to keep it from getting out of hand, rather than stopping it entirely. For example, you 止める a car, but you 抑える its speed. You 止める crying, but you 抑える your sadness.
Test Yourself 138 questions
この薬は痛みを___ます。(Kono kusuri wa itami o ___masu.)
The verb 抑える (osaeru) means 'to suppress' or 'to control.' In this context, it means 'This medicine suppresses pain.'
彼は感情を___のが得意です。(Kare wa kanjou o ___ no ga tokui desu.)
抑える (osaeru) is used here to mean 'to control' or 'to hold back' emotions. The sentence translates to 'He is good at controlling his emotions.'
もっと声を___ください。(Motto koe o ___ kudasai.)
Here, 抑える (osaeru) means 'to lower' or 'to suppress' your voice. The sentence means 'Please lower your voice more.'
彼女は怒りを___ました。(Kanojo wa ikari o ___mashita.)
抑える (osaeru) is used to describe suppressing anger. The sentence means 'She suppressed her anger.'
その問題はすぐに___必要があります。(Sono mondai wa sugu ni ___ hitsuyou ga arimasu.)
In this case, 抑える (osaeru) means 'to deal with' or 'to control' a problem. The sentence translates to 'That problem needs to be controlled immediately.'
風が強いので、帽子を___てください。(Kaze ga tsuyoi node, boushi o ___ kudasai.)
Here, 抑える (osaeru) means 'to hold down' or 'to keep in place.' The sentence means 'The wind is strong, so please hold down your hat.'
Choose the best English translation for 「痛みを抑える」.
「抑える」 (osaeru) means 'to suppress' or 'to control'. 「痛み」 (itami) means 'pain'. So, 「痛みを抑える」 means 'to suppress pain'.
Which Japanese word means 'to suppress' or 'to control'?
「抑える」 (osaeru) is the verb meaning 'to suppress' or 'to control'. The other options mean 'to eat', 'to drink', and 'to see' respectively.
If you want to say 'to control emotions' in Japanese, which verb would you use?
「感情を抑える」 (kanjou o osaeru) means 'to control emotions'. 「抑える」 is the correct verb here. The other verbs mean 'to speak', 'to write', and 'to listen'.
The Japanese word 「抑える」 means 'to release'.
No, 「抑える」 means 'to suppress' or 'to control', not 'to release'.
You can use 「抑える」 when talking about controlling a fever.
Yes, you can say 「熱を抑える」 (netsu o osaeru) to mean 'to control a fever'.
「抑える」 is typically used for things you want to increase.
No, 「抑える」 is used for things you want to decrease or control, like pain or emotions, not things you want to increase.
Please hold the salt down.
Hold this pencil.
Medicine to suppress a cold.
Read this aloud:
ドアを おさえて ください。
Focus: おさえて (osaete)
You said:
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Read this aloud:
かれは かみを おさえた。
Focus: おさえた (osaeta)
You said:
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Read this aloud:
てを おさえて。
Focus: おさえて (osaete)
You said:
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You have a headache. How would you tell a friend you need to relieve the pain?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
頭痛を抑えたいです。
Your little brother is making too much noise. How would you tell him to control his voice?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
声を抑えてください。
You are feeling very angry. How would you say you want to suppress your anger?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
怒りを抑えたいです。
What does person A suggest?
Read this passage:
A: 痛みがありますか？ B: はい、少し痛いです。A: 薬で痛みを抑えましょう。
What does person A suggest?
Person A suggests using medicine to '抑える' (suppress) the pain.
Person A suggests using medicine to '抑える' (suppress) the pain.
What did the teacher tell the student to do?
Read this passage:
先生は生徒に「声を抑えてください」と言いました。
What did the teacher tell the student to do?
The teacher told the student to '声を抑える' (control their voice).
The teacher told the student to '声を抑える' (control their voice).
What could she not do?
Read this passage:
彼女は笑いを抑えることができませんでした。
What could she not do?
The passage says she could not '笑いを抑える' (suppress her laughter).
The passage says she could not '笑いを抑える' (suppress her laughter).
This sentence means 'I suppressed the pain.' The particles 'は' (wa) and 'を' (o) mark the subject and direct object respectively.
This sentence means 'He suppressed his anger.' 'は' marks the subject, and 'を' marks the direct object.
This sentence means 'She suppressed her tears.' 'は' marks the subject, and 'を' marks the direct object.
彼女は感情を___のが得意です。
This sentence means 'She is good at suppressing her emotions.' '抑える' (osaeru) is the correct verb form here.
痛みを___ために薬を飲んだ。
The sentence means 'I took medicine to suppress the pain.' '抑える' (osaeru) is the dictionary form used to express purpose.
彼は怒りを___ことができませんでした。
This translates to 'He couldn't suppress his anger.' The plain form '抑える' (osaeru) is used before 'こと' (koto) to form a noun phrase.
この薬は熱を___効果があります。
The sentence means 'This medicine has the effect of suppressing fever.' '抑える' (osaeru) is the dictionary form modifying '効果' (kouka - effect).
彼は声を___て話しました。
This sentence means 'He spoke suppressing his voice.' The -te form '抑えて' (osaete) connects the two actions.
感情を___のは難しいです。
The sentence means 'It is difficult to suppress emotions.' '抑える' (osaeru) is the dictionary form used when talking about an general action.
Choose the best word to complete the sentence: 痛みを___。
The sentence means 'to suppress pain.' 抑える (osaeru) is the correct verb for suppressing or controlling something.
Which of these situations would you use 抑える (osaeru)?
抑える (osaeru) is used when you need to suppress or control an emotion or an action.
The phrase '感情を抑える' (kanjou o osaeru) means...
感情 (kanjou) means 'emotions.' So, 感情を抑える (kanjou o osaeru) means 'to suppress emotions.'
You can use 抑える (osaeru) to talk about controlling a fire.
Yes, 抑える (osaeru) can be used for controlling or containing things like a fire.
抑える (osaeru) is often used when you want to make something bigger or stronger.
No, 抑える (osaeru) is used to suppress, control, or hold down, not to make something bigger or stronger.
If you want to say 'to hold down a door,' you can use 抑える (osaeru).
Yes, 抑える (osaeru) can mean to hold something down physically, like a door.
You have a headache. How would you tell a friend that you are trying to suppress the pain?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
頭痛を抑えたいです。
Your child is crying loudly. How would you tell them to suppress their voice a little?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
少し声を抑えてください。
You are trying to keep your emotions in check during a difficult conversation. How would you express this using '抑える'?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
感情を抑えるのが難しいです。
田中さんは何を抑えようとしていましたか？
Read this passage:
田中さんは、会議中に眠気を抑えるのに苦労しました。彼はコーヒーを飲んで、目を覚まそうとしましたが、あまり効果がありませんでした。
田中さんは何を抑えようとしていましたか？
文章の冒頭で「眠気を抑える」と述べられています。
文章の冒頭で「眠気を抑える」と述べられています。
なぜ彼女は笑いを抑えられなかったのですか？
Read this passage:
彼女は笑いを抑えられませんでした。彼の話がとても面白かったからです。周りの人もつられて笑い始めました。
なぜ彼女は笑いを抑えられなかったのですか？
「彼の話がとても面白かったから」と明確に書かれています。
「彼の話がとても面白かったから」と明確に書かれています。
この薬は何に役立ちますか？
Read this passage:
この薬は痛みを抑えるのに役立ちます。食後に服用してください。一日三回が目安です。
この薬は何に役立ちますか？
「この薬は痛みを抑えるのに役立ちます」と書かれています。
「この薬は痛みを抑えるのに役立ちます」と書かれています。
This sentence means 'He suppressed his anger.' The natural order in Japanese is 'Subject + Object + Verb'.
This sentence means 'This medicine controls the pain.' Again, the structure is 'Subject + Object + Verb'.
This sentence means 'She is good at controlling her emotions.' '～のが得意です' is a common way to say 'good at doing something'.
彼女は感情を___のが得意だ。
The sentence means 'She is good at suppressing her emotions.' '抑える' (osaeru) means to suppress or control. The other options do not fit the context.
痛みを___薬をください。
The sentence means 'Please give me medicine to suppress the pain.' '抑える' (osaeru) can be used for controlling or alleviating pain. '和らげる' (yawarageru) also means to alleviate, but '抑える' is a common and appropriate choice here. The other options are incorrect.
彼は怒りを何とか___とした。
The sentence means 'He tried to somehow suppress his anger.' '抑える' (osaeru) is the correct verb for suppressing emotions like anger.
この薬は熱を___効果があります。
The sentence means 'This medicine has the effect of suppressing fever.' While '下げる' (sageru) means to lower, '抑える' (osaeru) is also commonly used in the context of controlling or suppressing symptoms like fever.
彼は声を___て話した。
The sentence means 'He spoke in a suppressed voice.' '声を抑える' (koe o osaeru) means to lower one's voice or speak quietly.
災害の被害を最小限に___必要があります。
The sentence means 'It is necessary to minimize the damage from the disaster.' '抑える' (osaeru) fits perfectly here, meaning to keep something to a minimum or to control it.
Choose the best translation for 「痛みを抑える」.
「抑える」 (osaeru) means 'to suppress' or 'to control'. So 「痛みを抑える」 means 'to suppress pain'.
Which sentence correctly uses 「抑える」?
「彼は感情を抑えることができた。」 (Kare wa kanjou o osaeru koto ga dekita.) means 'He was able to suppress his emotions.' This is a correct usage of 「抑える」.
What is the most appropriate verb to use when you want to control your laughter?
「笑いを抑える」 (warai o osaeru) means 'to suppress laughter'. This is the correct phrase to express controlling one's laughter.
「音量を抑える」 means 'to increase the volume'.
「音量を抑える」 (onryou o osaeru) means 'to lower the volume' or 'to suppress the volume', not to increase it.
When you want to keep something down, like a price, you can use 「抑える」.
Yes, 「価格を抑える」 (kakaku o osaeru) means 'to keep down prices' or 'to control prices'.
If you are trying to hold back a cough, you would say 「咳を抑える」.
Correct. 「咳を抑える」 (seki o osaeru) means 'to suppress a cough'.
The speaker is talking about medicine.
The speaker is describing someone's ability.
The speaker is discussing disaster prevention.
Read this aloud:
怒りを抑えるのは難しい。
Focus: いかりをおさえるのはむずかしい
You said:
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Read this aloud:
この薬は熱を抑えます。
Focus: このくすりはねつをおさえます
You said:
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Read this aloud:
彼は声を抑えて話しました。
Focus: かれはこえをおさえてはなしました
You said:
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You have a slight fever and a headache. Write a short message to your friend explaining that you need to take some medicine to suppress the headache.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
少し熱があって頭痛がします。頭痛を抑えるために薬を飲まないといけません。
Imagine you are a manager. Write a short email to your team reminding them to control their spending on office supplies.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
チームの皆さん、事務用品の出費を抑えるようにお願いします。
You are describing a fire. Write a sentence stating that firefighters are trying to suppress the fire.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
消防士が火事を抑えようとしています。
この人はどのような人ですか？
Read this passage:
彼はいつも感情を抑えて、冷静に行動します。どんな状況でも、パニックになることはありません。
この人はどのような人ですか？
文章に「感情を抑えて、冷静に行動します」とあるので、冷静沈着な人であることがわかります。
文章に「感情を抑えて、冷静に行動します」とあるので、冷静沈着な人であることがわかります。
政府が新しい政策を発表した目的は何ですか？
Read this passage:
経済の成長を抑えるために、政府は新しい政策を発表しました。これにより、物価の上昇も抑えられると期待されています。
政府が新しい政策を発表した目的は何ですか？
「経済の成長を抑えるために」と「物価の上昇も抑えられると期待されています」という記述から、両方を目的としていることが読み取れます。
「経済の成長を抑えるために」と「物価の上昇も抑えられると期待されています」という記述から、両方を目的としていることが読み取れます。
この薬は何のために飲むべきですか？
Read this passage:
この薬は痛みを抑えるのに効果があります。食後に2錠飲んでください。
この薬は何のために飲むべきですか？
「痛みを抑えるのに効果があります」と明記されています。
「痛みを抑えるのに効果があります」と明記されています。
彼は怒りを___ことができなかった。
「抑える」は感情や衝動を抑制する意味で使われます。
痛みを___ために薬を飲んだ。
「抑える」は痛みや症状を軽減・制御する意味で使われます。
物価の上昇を___のは難しい課題だ。
「抑える」は増加や進行を阻止する意味で使われます。
彼女は笑いを___きれず、吹き出してしまった。
「抑える」は感情をコントロールする意味で使われます。
急な出費を___ために節約している。
「抑える」は出費や費用を減らす意味で使われます。
彼は声を___て話したが、聞こえてしまった。
「抑える」は音量を小さくする意味で使われます。
Choose the best word to complete the sentence: 痛みを____。
痛みを抑える (itami o osaeru) means 'to suppress pain.' The other options don't make sense in this context.
Which sentence correctly uses 抑える (osaeru)?
抑える (osaeru) is used here to mean 'to suppress' or 'to control' emotions, which is a common usage.
What is the most natural way to say 'Please try to control your anger' in Japanese?
怒りを抑える (ikari o osaeru) means 'to control anger.' The other options do not fit the meaning.
The phrase '声を抑える' (koe o osaeru) means 'to raise one's voice.'
声を抑える (koe o osaeru) means 'to lower one's voice' or 'to keep one's voice down,' not to raise it.
You can use 抑える (osaeru) to talk about controlling a fever.
熱を抑える (netsu o osaeru) means 'to suppress a fever' or 'to bring down a fever,' so this is a correct usage.
If you want to say 'to hold down a crying child,' you can use '泣いている子供を抑える' (naiteiru kodomo o osaeru).
抑える (osaeru) can be used to mean 'to hold down' or 'to restrain' physically, so this usage is correct.
The sentence describes someone struggling to control their anger.
This sentence is about taking medicine to alleviate pain.
The sentence talks about the challenge of keeping the budget down for a project.
Read this aloud:
感情を抑えるのは難しい時もあります。
Focus: おさえる
You said:
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Read this aloud:
彼は声を抑えて話しました。
Focus: こえをおさえて
You said:
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Read this aloud:
出費を抑えるために、自炊を始めました。
Focus: しゅっぴをおさえる
You said:
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You are feeling overwhelmed with work. Write a short journal entry (3-4 sentences) about how you are trying to '抑える' (suppress/control) your stress. Use '抑える' at least once.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
最近、仕事のストレスがひどいです。でも、深呼吸したり、散歩したりして、このストレスを抑えるようにしています。心身の健康が一番大切ですからね。
Imagine you are a chef. Write a short note (2-3 sentences) to your assistant about how to '抑える' (control) the strong flavor of an ingredient. Use '抑える' at least once.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
このハーブの味は少し強いので、使う量を抑えるようにしてください。そうしないと、他の味が消えてしまいます。バランスが重要です。
You are giving advice to a friend who is trying to save money. Write a short message (3-4 sentences) telling them how to '抑える' (control/reduce) their spending. Use '抑える' at least once.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
節約したいなら、まず不必要な出費を抑えることが大切だよ。例えば、外食の回数を減らしたり、衝動買いを避けたりね。少しずつ頑張ろう。
この文から、彼はどのような性格だと推測できますか？
Read this passage:
彼は感情を抑えるのが苦手で、すぐに怒ってしまう。そのため、人間関係で問題を起こすことが多い。彼の友人は、もっと冷静になるようにアドバイスしている。
この文から、彼はどのような性格だと推測できますか？
文章中に「感情を抑えるのが苦手で、すぐに怒ってしまう」とあるため、感情をコントロールするのが難しい性格だと推測できます。
文章中に「感情を抑えるのが苦手で、すぐに怒ってしまう」とあるため、感情をコントロールするのが難しい性格だと推測できます。
この人が消費電力を抑えるためにしている工夫として述べられていないものはどれですか？
Read this passage:
最近、電気代が高くなっているので、消費電力を抑えるために様々な工夫をしています。例えば、使わない電気はこまめに消したり、エアコンの設定温度を控えめにしたりしています。
この人が消費電力を抑えるためにしている工夫として述べられていないものはどれですか？
文章中には「節電タップを使う」という具体的な工夫については述べられていません。
文章中には「節電タップを使う」という具体的な工夫については述べられていません。
政府がインフレを抑えるために行っていることとして、この文章に書かれていることは何ですか？
Read this passage:
政府はインフレを抑えるため、いくつかの経済政策を実施しています。これには、金利の引き上げや財政支出の削減などが含まれます。国民の生活に大きな影響を与える可能性があります。
政府がインフレを抑えるために行っていることとして、この文章に書かれていることは何ですか？
文章中に「金利の引き上げや財政支出の削減などが含まれます」と明記されています。
文章中に「金利の引き上げや財政支出の削減などが含まれます」と明記されています。
この薬は痛みを___のに役立ちます。
文脈は薬が痛みを「抑える」ことを示唆しています。
感情を___のは難しいです。
文脈は感情を「抑える」ことの難しさを示しています。
政府はインフレを___ために新しい政策を導入しました。
文脈はインフレを「抑える」ための政府の行動を示しています。
彼は怒りを___て、冷静を保ちました。
文脈は彼が怒りを「抑える」ことで冷静を保ったことを示しています。
この地域の犯罪率を___ことが喫緊の課題です。
文脈は犯罪率を「抑える」ことが緊急の課題であることを示しています。
彼女は笑いを___きれず、つい吹き出してしまいました。
文脈は彼女が笑いを「抑える」ことができなかったことを示しています。
She seemed to have trouble suppressing her anger.
This medicine is effective in controlling headaches.
The government is taking measures to curb inflation.
Read this aloud:
感情を抑えることは、時には難しいです。
Focus: おさえる (osaeru)
You said:
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Read this aloud:
彼は痛みを抑えるために薬を服用しました。
Focus: おさえる (osaeru)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
予算を抑えるために、無駄な出費を減らしましょう。
Focus: おさえる (osaeru)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence means 'It is difficult to suppress emotions.' The particles 'を' and 'こと' are used correctly to form the phrase.
This sentence means 'He desperately suppressed the pain.' '必死に' is an adverb modifying '抑えた'.
This sentence means 'It is necessary to control expenses.' '必要がある' means 'there is a need to'.
彼女は感情を___ようとしましたが、涙が溢れてしまいました。
感情をコントロールする意味では「抑える」を使います。ここでは意志動詞の「抑えよう」が適切です。
政府はインフレを___ため、金融引き締め政策を実施した。
インフレなどの社会現象をコントロールする場合も「抑える」を使います。
痛みを___ために、彼は鎮痛剤を飲んだ。
痛みなどの身体的な感覚をコントロールする意味で「抑える」が使われます。
この薬は胃酸の分泌を___効果がある。
分泌などの生理的な活動を抑制する意味で「抑える」が適切です。
彼は怒りを___て、冷静に対応した。
感情をコントロールする意味で「抑える」が適切です。ここでは過去形（て形）が使われています。
火災の延焼を___ため、消防隊は必死に活動した。
火災の拡大をコントロールする意味で「抑える」が使われます。
Choose the best word to complete the sentence: 彼女は怒りを___のがうまかった。
The sentence means 'She was good at suppressing her anger.' 抑える (osaeru) means to suppress or control. The other options mean to release, express, or explode, which would not fit the context.
Which of the following situations would typically involve using 抑える?
抑える (osaeru) means to suppress or control. Controlling bleeding is a direct application of this meaning. The other options involve increasing or adding, not controlling or suppressing.
Read the sentence: 彼は自分の感情を___ようと努めたが、結局涙が溢れてしまった。Which word best fits the blank?
The sentence means 'He tried to suppress his emotions, but in the end, tears flowed.' 抑える (osaeru) fits perfectly as it means to suppress or control. The other options mean to heighten, share, or release, which are contrary to the context of holding back tears.
If you want to reduce the volume of a sound, you would use 抑える.
True. 抑える (osaeru) can be used to mean 'to keep down' or 'to hold back,' which includes reducing the volume of a sound. For example, 音量を抑える (onryō o osaeru) means to lower the volume.
The phrase 痛みを抑える (itami o osaeru) means to increase pain.
False. 痛みを抑える (itami o osaeru) means to suppress or control pain, such as taking medicine to alleviate it. It does not mean to increase pain.
You can use 抑える when discussing an effort to prevent something from spreading, like a rumor.
True. 抑える (osaeru) can be used in contexts where you are trying to prevent something from spreading or getting out of control, such as a rumor (噂を抑える - uwasa o osaeru).
The speaker was desperate to suppress intense anger.
He couldn't control his emotions and finally burst into tears.
The government announced policies to curb inflation.
Read this aloud:
この薬は痛みを効果的に抑えることができます。
Focus: o-sa-e-ru
You said:
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Read this aloud:
自分の意見を抑えて、相手の意見に耳を傾けることも重要です。
Focus: o-sa-e-te
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
彼女は興奮を抑えながら、ゆっくりと話し始めた。
Focus: o-sa-e-na-ga-ra
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
/ 138 correct
Perfect score!
Basic Meaning of 抑える
The most common meaning of 抑える (osaeru) is to suppress or control something. Think of it as holding something down or keeping it in check.
Suppressing Emotions
You can use 抑える when talking about suppressing emotions. For example, 怒りを抑える (ikari o osaeru) means 'to suppress one's anger'.
Controlling Pain
This verb is often used for controlling or alleviating pain. 痛みを抑える (itami o osaeru) means 'to control the pain' or 'to relieve the pain'.
Holding Down Physically
In a more literal sense, 抑える can mean to physically hold something down. For instance, ドアを抑える (doa o osaeru) means 'to hold the door down' (e.g., against the wind).
Example
怒りの感情を抑えるのが難しい。
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More health words
しばらく
B1For a while, for some time.
異変がある
B1To have an unusual change or abnormality.
異常な
B1Abnormal; unusual; irregular.
擦り傷
B1Scratch, graze, abrasion.
吸収する
B1To absorb.
禁酒
B1Abstinence from alcohol; the act of refraining from alcohol.
痛む
A2to hurt; to ache
鍼灸
B1Acupuncture and moxibustion; traditional Chinese medicine treatments.
急性的
B1Acute.
急性な
B1Acute
