差し控える

• Reading: さしひかえる
• Romaji: sashihikaeru
• Kanji breakdown: 差 (sa) — polite directional prefix; 控 (kō/hikaeru) — to hold back, to refrain
• Pronunciation: /sa.ɕi.çi.ka.e.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To refrain from; to withhold; to hold back out of propriety or caution.

A Group 2 (ichidan) compound verb combining 差し (polite prefix) and 控える (to hold back, to wait). Notably more formal and polite than 我慢する or やめる, it implies consciously refraining out of propriety or social consideration. Frequently seen in official statements, press conferences, and polite refusals, where directness would be inappropriate.

Examples

1. 個人情報に関わる詳細については差し控えさせていただきます。 I will refrain from disclosing details relating to personal information.
2. 捜査中の事件についてはコメントを差し控えたい。 I would like to withhold comment on matters currently under investigation.
3. 今後はその話題に関する発言を差し控えるよう忠告された。 He was advised to refrain from making statements on that topic going forward.

Usage Guide

Context: press conferences, official statements, polite refusal, public discourse

Tone: reserved

Origin & History

From 差し (a polite prefix derived from 差す) and 控える (to hold back, from 控 meaning to refrain or to keep a copy as a record). The polite register of the prefix 差し elevates the whole verb above plain 控える.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated