This page in your language
فارسی العربية Deutsch Español Français 日本語 한국어 Português 中文 हिन्दी
A2 verb #3,000 most common 6 min read

자제하다

jajehada
At the A1 level, you don't need to use '자제하다' often, but you might see it on signs. Think of it as a very polite way to say 'Don't do that'. If you see '자제' on a sign in a park or a library, it means 'Please be quiet' or 'Don't run'. At this stage, just remember that it's a 'polite stop' word. You usually learn '하지 마세요' (Don't do it) first. '자제하다' is like the 'adult version' of that. For example, instead of saying 'Don't eat too much candy!', a polite sign might say '과식을 자제합시다' (Let's refrain from overeating). It's a good word to recognize so you can follow rules in Korea. Even if you can't use it in a sentence yet, knowing that '자제' means 'control' will help you understand many public notices. It's often found in the form '자제해 주세요', which is a very common and kind way to ask someone to stop doing something that might bother others. Imagine you are in a quiet cafe; you might see a small card on the table asking you to '자제' your phone volume. This is much nicer than a sign saying 'No Phones!'. So, at A1, focus on recognizing the word in your environment.
At the A2 level, you can start using '자제하다' in simple sentences about your habits. It's a great word to use when talking about health or money. For example, '저는 요즘 쇼핑을 자제하고 있어요' (I am refraining from shopping these days). This sounds much more natural and advanced than just saying 'I don't shop'. It shows you are making an effort to control yourself. You can also use it to give gentle advice to friends. If a friend is drinking too much coffee, you can say '커피를 좀 자제하세요' (Please cut back on coffee/restrain yourself from coffee). This level is about moving from basic 'yes/no' actions to 'controlled' actions. You should practice the pattern [Noun] + 을/를 자제하다. Common nouns to pair with it include '술' (alcohol), '담배' (cigarettes), '커피' (coffee), and '게임' (games). By using '자제하다', you show that you understand the concept of self-improvement and social etiquette. It's also useful for understanding announcements on the bus or subway. When the announcement says '통화를 자제해 주세요', you'll know they are asking you to keep your phone calls short or quiet. This level is where you begin to bridge the gap between 'classroom Korean' and 'real-world polite Korean'.
At the B1 level, you should be able to use '자제하다' to discuss more abstract concepts like emotions and social behavior. You can use it to describe your personality or someone else's. For example, '저는 화가 나도 자제하려고 노력해요' (Even when I'm angry, I try to restrain myself). This shows a higher level of grammatical complexity, using '-려고 노력하다' (try to). You will also encounter this word in news articles or social media posts about public issues. For instance, during a flu season, you might read '외출을 자제해야 합니다' (One must refrain from going out). At this level, you should also learn the noun form '자제력' (self-control). You can say '그는 자제력이 부족해요' (He lacks self-control) or '자제력을 길러야 해요' (I need to develop self-control). This allows you to talk about character traits. You'll notice that '자제하다' is often used in situations where there is a conflict between what you *want* to do and what you *should* do. It's a key word for discussing discipline, dieting, and professional conduct. You should also be comfortable using the form '-는 것을 자제하다' to talk about refraining from specific actions, like '밤늦게 야식을 먹는 것을 자제하고 있습니다' (I am refraining from eating late-night snacks).
At the B2 level, you can use '자제하다' in professional and academic contexts. You should understand the nuance between '자제하다' and its synonyms like '억제하다' or '삼가다'. In a business setting, you might use it to suggest a course of action: '이번 분기에는 불필요한 지출을 자제해야 합니다' (We must refrain from unnecessary spending this quarter). This shows you can apply the word to organizational management, not just personal habits. You will also see this word in literature and more complex media, where it might describe a character's internal struggle in a more poetic or psychological way. For example, '그녀는 슬픔을 자제하며 말을 이어갔다' (She continued speaking, restraining her sadness). This level requires you to use the word fluently in various tenses and honorific levels. You should also be able to recognize it in the passive or causative-like structures found in formal writing, such as '자제가 요청됩니다' (Restraint is requested). You can discuss the social importance of '자제' in Korean culture, linking it to concepts like '체면' (saving face) and '눈치' (social sensing). Your ability to use this word correctly in a debate or a formal presentation will significantly boost your perceived fluency.
At the C1 level, you should have a deep understanding of the philosophical and psychological implications of '자제하다'. You can use it to discuss complex topics like '자유와 자제' (freedom and restraint) or the role of self-regulation in a democratic society. You will encounter this word in legal documents, high-level political speeches, and philosophical essays. For example, a political commentator might say, '정치권은 소모적인 정쟁을 자제하고 민생에 집중해야 한다' (The political circles must refrain from wasteful political strife and focus on the people's livelihood). You should be able to use the word to articulate subtle nuances in human behavior, such as the difference between '자제' (conscious restraint) and '억압' (unconscious repression). At this level, you can also use related Hanja-based vocabulary like '자제심' (spirit of self-control) or '자기통제' (self-control) interchangeably depending on the context. You should be able to write sophisticated essays using '자제하다' to argue for social responsibility or personal ethics. Your usage should be indistinguishable from a native speaker's, showing an awareness of the word's weight and the formal atmosphere it creates. You might also explore the word's use in historical contexts, such as Confucian teachings on self-discipline.
At the C2 level, your mastery of '자제하다' is absolute. You can use it with perfect precision in any context, from high-stakes diplomatic negotiations to nuanced literary criticism. You understand the historical evolution of the word and its Hanja roots deeply. You can appreciate and use the word in creative writing to convey a character's profound internal discipline or the stifling nature of a highly regulated society. You might analyze how the concept of '자제' has shifted in modern Korean society compared to the Joseon era. In a professional capacity, you could use this word in a legal brief or a high-level policy recommendation, perhaps discussing the '자제적 기능' (restraining function) of certain laws or institutions. You are also capable of using the word ironically or humorously in a way that requires a deep cultural and linguistic background. For example, you might use it to describe a situation where restraint is impossible or absurd. Your understanding extends to the most obscure collocations and the most formal registers of the language. You can explain the word to others, including the subtle differences between it and every possible synonym, providing historical and cultural context that goes beyond mere definition.
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

자제하다 in 30 Seconds

  • 자제하다 means to exercise self-control or refrain from an action.
  • It is more formal than '참다' and often used in public notices.
  • Commonly used with emotions (감정), spending (소비), and habits (음주, 흡연).
  • The noun form is '자제' and the ability is '자제력'.

The Korean verb 자제하다 (jaje-hada) is a sophisticated and essential term for anyone looking to navigate Korean social dynamics and personal development. At its core, it means to exercise self-control, to restrain oneself, or to refrain from acting on an impulse. It is derived from the Hanja characters 自 (자 - self) and 制 (제 - control/system). Unlike the simpler verb '참다' (to endure/hold back), 자제하다 implies a conscious, often intellectual decision to limit one's behavior for the sake of propriety, health, or social harmony.

Etymological Nuance
The '제' (制) in this word is the same '제' found in '제도' (system) or '통제' (control), suggesting a systematic or principled approach to managing one's own desires.
Social Context
In Korean culture, which values collective harmony (인화), the ability to 자제하다 is seen as a sign of maturity and high social intelligence.

"건강을 위해 과식을 자제해야 합니다." (For your health, you must refrain from overeating.)

This word is frequently used in public announcements, health advice, and formal feedback. It suggests a level of agency; you aren't just being stopped by someone else, you are stopping yourself. It covers a wide range of human experiences, from suppressing a sudden burst of anger to resisting the urge to buy something expensive that you don't need. It is the hallmark of an 'adult' (어른) in the psychological sense.

"공공장소에서는 큰 소리로 떠드는 것을 자제해 주시기 바랍니다." (Please refrain from talking loudly in public places.)

When we talk about '자제력' (self-control/willpower), we are talking about the power (력/力) to perform this action. In a world of instant gratification, mastering the art of 자제하다 is considered a vital virtue in Korean society. It is often paired with nouns like '감정' (emotion), '행동' (behavior), or '소비' (consumption).

Grammatical Flexibility
It functions as a regular -하다 verb, allowing it to be conjugated into various polite, formal, and casual forms easily.

Using 자제하다 correctly requires understanding its object-verb relationship. Usually, the thing you are restraining is marked with the object particle -을/를. However, if you are refraining from an *action*, you use the form -는 것을 자제하다 or -기를 자제하다.

Pattern 1: [Noun]을/를 자제하다
Used for direct objects like '술' (alcohol), '담배' (cigarettes), or '감정' (emotions).
Pattern 2: [Verb]-는 것을 자제하다
Used for actions, such as '밤늦게 먹는 것을 자제하다' (refrain from eating late at night).

"그는 화가 났지만 화를 자제했다." (He was angry but restrained his anger.)

In formal requests, especially in written notices, you will often see the honorific form 자제해 주시기 바랍니다. This is the standard way to say 'Please refrain from...' in a polite, professional manner. It is much softer than saying '하지 마세요' (Don't do it), which can sound like a command or a scolding.

Another common usage is in the negative imperative or suggestive forms. For example, '자제하는 것이 좋겠어요' (It would be good to exercise restraint). This is a common way to give advice to a friend who is spending too much money or drinking too much. It sounds thoughtful and concerned rather than judgmental.

"충동구매를 자제하는 습관을 기르세요." (Develop the habit of refraining from impulse buying.)

You will encounter 자제하다 in several distinct environments. First and foremost is in Public Announcements. If you are on a Korean subway, in a library, or at a cinema, you will hear recorded messages asking patrons to '자제해 주십시오' regarding phone use or loud talking.

News and Media
News anchors often use this word when reporting on civil unrest or when government officials urge the public to stay calm or limit movement during a pandemic.
Health and Wellness
Doctors and nutritionists on TV programs frequently use it when discussing dietary restrictions.

"정부는 국민들에게 외출을 자제할 것을 당부했습니다." (The government requested citizens to refrain from going out.)

In K-Dramas, you might hear this word during a tense confrontation. A character might say to another, '감정 좀 자제해!' (Control your emotions!), usually when the other person is becoming hysterical or aggressive. It is a powerful word because it calls upon the other person's sense of dignity and self-regulation.

In Business Meetings, it's used to steer the conversation away from sensitive topics or to keep the discussion professional. '개인적인 의견은 자제해 주시고...' (Please refrain from personal opinions and...). This helps maintain the '체면' (face) of all parties involved.

One of the most common mistakes learners make is confusing 자제하다 with 참다. While they overlap, they are not interchangeable in all contexts. You can '참다' a sneeze (재채기를 참다), but you wouldn't typically '자제하다' a sneeze because a sneeze is a physical reflex, not a behavioral choice.

Mistake 1: Over-using it in casual settings
Using '자제하다' with very close friends for minor things can sound overly stiff or even sarcastic. Use '참다' or '그만해' for casual 'stop it' moments.
Mistake 2: Confusing with '억제하다'
'억제하다' (suppress) is more forceful and often used for biological or chemical processes (e.g., suppressing a virus or suppressing an urge).

"(Wrong) 웃음을 자제할 수 없었어요." -> (Better) "웃음을 참을 수 없었어요." (I couldn't hold back my laughter.)

Another mistake is the particle usage. Some learners try to use -에게 or -한테, but 자제하다 is a transitive verb that takes an object (-을/를). You are restraining *something* (an emotion, an action), not restraining *to* someone.

Understanding the synonyms of 자제하다 helps you choose the right word for the right level of intensity and formality. The most common related words are 참다, 삼가다, and 억제하다.

참다 (Cham-da)
The general word for 'to endure' or 'to hold back'. It is used for pain, laughter, tears, and anger. It is more internal and visceral.
삼가다 (Sam-ga-da)
To abstain from or be cautious. Often used in very formal warnings or religious/ritual contexts (e.g., '삼가 고인의 명복을 빕니다').
억제하다 (Eok-je-hada)
To suppress or control. This sounds more technical or forceful. Used in science, politics, or strong psychological suppression.

"비속어 사용을 삼가 주세요." (Please refrain from using slang - very formal.)

While 자제하다 is about 'self-regulation', 절제하다 (jeol-je-hada) is another close relative. 절제하다 is often used for moderation in lifestyle, like '절제된 생활' (a disciplined/temperate life). Use 자제하다 for specific instances of holding back, and 절제하다 for a general lifestyle of moderation.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

""

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Examples by Level

1

공원에서 달리기를 자제해 주세요.

Please refrain from running in the park.

-해 주세요 is a polite request.

2

여기서 큰 소리를 자제하세요.

Please refrain from making loud noises here.

-세요 is a polite command.

3

과식을 자제합시다.

Let's refrain from overeating.

-읍시다 means 'let's'.

4

단 음식을 자제해요.

Refrain from sweet foods.

Simple present polite form.

5

밤에는 전화를 자제해 주세요.

Please refrain from calling at night.

Time marker -에는.

6

쓰레기를 버리는 것을 자제합시다.

Let's refrain from littering.

-는 것 turns a verb into a noun.

7

게임 시간을 자제해요.

Limit/refrain from game time.

Object particle -을/를 is omitted here but implied.

8

위험한 장난은 자제하세요.

Please refrain from dangerous pranks.

Adjective '위험한' modifying '장난'.

1

저는 요즘 커피를 자제하고 있어요.

I am refraining from coffee lately.

-고 있다 indicates a continuing action.

2

건강을 위해 술을 자제하세요.

Refrain from alcohol for your health.

-를 위해 means 'for the sake of'.

3

충동구매를 자제하는 것이 좋아요.

It is good to refrain from impulse buying.

-는 것이 좋다 means 'it is good to'.

4

늦은 시간에 야식을 자제합시다.

Let's refrain from late-night snacks.

Compound noun '야식' (late-night snack).

5

화가 나도 말을 자제해야 해요.

Even if you're angry, you must restrain your words.

-아/어도 means 'even if'.

6

도서관에서는 대화를 자제해 주십시오.

Please refrain from conversation in the library.

-십시오 is the most formal polite ending.

7

어린이 앞에서는 욕설을 자제하세요.

Please refrain from swearing in front of children.

-앞에서 means 'in front of'.

8

운전 중에는 휴대폰 사용을 자제합시다.

Let's refrain from using mobile phones while driving.

-중에는 means 'while/during'.

1

그는 감정을 자제하는 능력이 뛰어나다.

He is excellent at the ability to restrain his emotions.

Adjective '뛰어나다' (excellent).

2

다이어트 중이라서 탄수화물을 자제하고 있습니다.

I'm on a diet, so I'm refraining from carbohydrates.

-(이)라서 means 'because'.

3

공공장소에서 지나친 애정 표현은 자제해야 합니다.

One should refrain from excessive displays of affection in public.

Adjective '지나친' (excessive).

4

그녀는 사고 싶은 옷이 많았지만 자제했다.

She had many clothes she wanted to buy, but she restrained herself.

-지만 means 'but'.

5

회의 중에는 개인적인 농담을 자제합시다.

Let's refrain from personal jokes during the meeting.

Noun '농담' (joke).

6

성공하려면 즐거움을 잠시 자제할 줄 알아야 한다.

To succeed, you must know how to temporarily restrain pleasure.

-(으)려면 means 'if you want to'.

7

비판보다는 격려를 하고, 비난은 자제합시다.

Let's encourage rather than criticize, and refrain from blame.

-보다는 means 'rather than'.

8

그는 술자리에 갔지만 술 마시는 것을 자제했다.

He went to the drinking party but refrained from drinking.

Noun '술자리' (drinking party).

1

정부는 물가 상승을 억제하기 위해 소비 자제를 요청했다.

The government requested restraint in consumption to curb inflation.

Noun form '자제' used as an object.

2

그 배우는 사생활 노출을 최대한 자제하고 있다.

The actor is refraining from exposing his private life as much as possible.

Adverb '최대한' (to the maximum).

3

논쟁이 과열되자 사회자가 발언 자제를 부탁했다.

As the debate overheated, the moderator asked to refrain from speaking.

-자 indicates 'as soon as' or 'since'.

4

그는 슬픔을 자제하며 침착하게 장례를 치렀다.

Restraining his grief, he calmly conducted the funeral.

-하며 indicates simultaneous action.

5

기업들은 불황기에 신규 투자를 자제하는 경향이 있다.

Companies tend to refrain from new investments during a recession.

-는 경향이 있다 means 'tend to'.

6

자제력이 강한 사람은 목표를 달성할 확률이 높다.

People with strong self-control are more likely to achieve their goals.

Noun '자제력' (willpower/self-control).

7

SNS에서 무분별한 비방은 자제해야 할 행동이다.

Indiscriminate slandering on social media is a behavior that should be restrained.

Adjective '무분별한' (indiscriminate).

8

그는 화가 머리 끝까지 났지만 끝내 자제했다.

He was furious, but he restrained himself in the end.

Idiom '머리 끝까지 나다' (to be extremely angry).

1

민주 사회에서 표현의 자유는 중요하지만, 타인의 권리를 침해하는 행위는 자제되어야 한다.

Freedom of expression is important in a democratic society, but acts that infringe on others' rights should be restrained.

Passive form '자제되어야 한다'.

2

그 정치인은 지지자들에게 폭력적인 시위를 자제할 것을 강력히 권고했다.

The politician strongly advised his supporters to refrain from violent protests.

Adverb '강력히' (strongly).

3

현대인들은 끊임없는 정보의 홍수 속에서 미디어 사용을 자제할 필요가 있다.

Modern people need to refrain from media use amidst a constant flood of information.

Metaphor '정보의 홍수' (flood of information).

4

그는 자신의 야망을 자제하고 조직의 이익을 우선시했다.

He restrained his ambition and prioritized the interests of the organization.

Verb '우선시하다' (to prioritize).

5

예술가는 때로 과도한 기교를 자제함으로써 작품의 순수성을 살린다.

Artists sometimes enhance the purity of their work by refraining from excessive technique.

-(으)로써 indicates the means or method.

6

성숙한 시민 의식은 자신의 욕망을 공동체의 이익을 위해 자제하는 데서 시작된다.

Mature civic consciousness begins with restraining one's desires for the benefit of the community.

-는 데서 시작된다 means 'starts from'.

7

그 철학자는 인간의 본능을 이성으로 자제해야 한다고 주장했다.

The philosopher argued that human instincts must be restrained by reason.

Indirect speech '-고 주장했다'.

8

무분별한 개발을 자제하고 자연 생태계를 보존해야 한다.

We must refrain from indiscriminate development and preserve the natural ecosystem.

Verb '보존하다' (to preserve).

1

권력의 남용을 자제하는 제도적 장치가 마련되어야 진정한 민주주의가 실현된다.

True democracy is realized only when institutional mechanisms to restrain the abuse of power are in place.

Noun phrase '제도적 장치' (institutional mechanism).

2

그 문학 작품은 감정의 과잉을 철저히 자제한 간결한 문체가 특징이다.

The literary work is characterized by a concise style that thoroughly restrains emotional excess.

Noun '과잉' (excess).

3

외교적 수사에서 극단적인 표현을 자제하는 것은 국가 간의 예의이다.

Refraining from extreme expressions in diplomatic rhetoric is a matter of courtesy between nations.

Noun '수사' (rhetoric).

4

그는 초인적인 인내심으로 복수심을 자제하며 때를 기다렸다.

With superhuman patience, he restrained his desire for revenge and waited for the right moment.

Adjective '초인적인' (superhuman).

5

자본의 논리에 따른 무분별한 확장을 자제하고 내실을 기해야 할 때입니다.

It is time to refrain from indiscriminate expansion based on capital logic and focus on internal stability.

Phrase '내실을 기하다' (to strive for internal stability).

6

역사적 비극을 되풀이하지 않기 위해서는 집단적 광기를 자제할 수 있는 지성이 필요하다.

To avoid repeating historical tragedies, intelligence capable of restraining collective madness is needed.

Noun '광기' (madness/insanity).

7

그는 자신의 천재성을 자제하고 평범한 삶 속에 녹아들기를 선택했다.

He chose to restrain his genius and blend into an ordinary life.

Verb '녹아들다' (to blend in/melt into).

8

언론은 자극적인 보도를 자제함으로써 사회적 혼란을 막아야 할 책임이 있다.

The media has a responsibility to prevent social chaos by refraining from provocative reporting.

Adjective '자극적인' (provocative/stimulating).

Common Collocations

감정을 자제하다
행동을 자제하다
소비를 자제하다
발언을 자제하다
출입을 자제하다
음주를 자제하다
흡연을 자제하다
사용을 자제하다
참석을 자제하다
표현을 자제하다

Common Phrases

자제해 주시기 바랍니다

자제력이 부족하다

자제력을 잃다

자제력을 기르다

스스로 자제하다

최대한 자제하다

일정 기간 자제하다

자제하는 분위기

자제할 필요가 있다

자제하기 힘들다

Often Confused With

자제하다 vs 참다 (more general/internal)

자제하다 vs 절제하다 (more about lifestyle moderation)

자제하다 vs 삼가다 (extremely formal/ritualistic)

Idioms & Expressions

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

Easily Confused

자제하다 vs 자체

자제하다 vs 제제

자제하다 vs 자제 (子弟)

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

nuance

자제하다 implies a voluntary choice, whereas 억제하다 can be involuntary or forced.

formality

Highly formal. Avoid using it with very young children; use '안 돼' or '하지 마' instead.

Common Mistakes
  • Using it for physical reflexes like sneezing.
  • Using it with the wrong particle (e.g., -에게).
  • Using it in very casual slang-filled conversations.
  • Confusing it with '자체' (itself).
  • Thinking it means 'to stop completely' (it often means to limit/moderate).

Tips

Public Signs

When you see '자제' on a sign, it's a polite rule. Follow it to be a respectful visitor.

Sound Mature

Using '자제하고 있어요' instead of '안 해요' makes you sound like a disciplined person.

Object Marker

Always remember to use 을/를 with the thing you are refraining from.

Hanja Power

Remember '자' (Self) and '제' (Control) to easily recall the meaning.

Harmony

In Korea, '자제' is a key part of maintaining social harmony.

Formal Reports

Use this word in reports to discuss limiting risks or costs.

Subway Announcements

Listen for this word next time you are on a Korean subway!

Confucianism

This word is deeply rooted in the Confucian value of self-discipline.

Synonym Practice

Try replacing '참다' with '자제하다' in formal sentences to see if it fits.

Self-Improvement

Think of '자제하다' as a positive word for growth, not just 'stopping'.

Memorize It

Word Origin

Sino-Korean

Cultural Context

Using '자제해 주세요' is the most polite way to ask a stranger to stop an annoying behavior.

In Korean companies, '자제' is often used in memos to suggest cost-cutting or professional behavior.

Netizens often call for '자제' when online arguments become too toxic.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"요즘 자제하고 있는 습관이 있어요?"

"자제력이 강한 편인가요?"

"쇼핑을 자제하는 비결이 뭐예요?"

"화가 날 때 어떻게 자제하세요?"

"아이들에게 무엇을 자제하라고 가르쳐야 할까요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 내가 자제했던 일에 대해 써보세요.

자제력이 내 삶에 왜 중요한지 생각해보세요.

내가 가장 자제하기 힘든 것은 무엇인가요?

자제력을 기르기 위한 계획을 세워보세요.

과거에 자제하지 못해 후회했던 경험을 써보세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Not exactly. It means to 'refrain' or 'limit'. You might still do the thing, but less often or with more control.

No, use '참다' for physical pain. '자제하다' is for behaviors and emotions.

It can sound a bit stiff or like you're acting like their parent. Use it for serious advice only.

It means 'willpower' or the 'power of self-control'.

흡연을 자제해 주시기 바랍니다.

Usually '웃음을 참다' is better, but '웃음을 자제하다' works in very formal settings.

Yes, very common in news, signs, and formal conversations.

'삼가다' is even more formal and often used in warnings or funerals.

Yes, '음식을 자제하다' is a common way to say you're watching what you eat.

Yes, frequently, to discuss spending, speaking, or behavior.

Test Yourself 180 questions

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

Related Content

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!