拘束

• Reading: こうそく
• Romaji: kousoku
• Kanji breakdown: 拘 (kō) — arrest, seize, adhere to; 束 (soku) — bundle, bind, tie
• Pronunciation: /koː.so.kɯ/

Meaning

Restriction; restraint; detention. Physically or legally confining someone or limiting their freedom.

A noun that also functions as a suru verb (拘束する). Used in legal contexts for detention (容疑者を拘束する — to detain a suspect), physical restraint, and figuratively for time constraints (拘束時間 — hours of obligation/confinement). Has a strong, serious tone. Common patterns include 身柄を拘束する (to take someone into custody) and 時間的に拘束される (to be tied down time-wise).

Examples

1. 警察は容疑者を拘束した。 The police detained the suspect.
2. この仕事は拘束時間が長い。 This job has long hours of obligation.
3. ルールに拘束されたくない。 I don't want to be bound by rules.

Usage Guide

Context: legal, police, work conditions

Tone: serious

Origin & History

Compound of 拘 (kō, arrest/seize) and 束 (soku, bundle/bind). Together, 'seizing and binding' — restricting someone's movement or freedom.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal