1.
to press down, to hold down
To apply pressure to keep something in place.
傷口を押さえる。
To press on the wound.
帽子を手で押さえた。
I held my hat down with my hand.
風で飛びそうな紙を押さえてください。
Please hold down the paper that's about to blow away in the wind.
2.
to restrain, to suppress
To keep under control.
感情を押さえる。
To suppress one's emotions.
怒りを押さえる。
To suppress one's anger.
彼女は涙を押さえることができなかった。
She couldn't hold back her tears.
3.
to secure, to reserve
To make sure of getting something.
席を押さえておいた。
I reserved the seat.
ホテルの部屋を押さえた。
I reserved a hotel room.
会議の前に要点を押さえておこう。
Let's grasp the key points before the meeting.
押さえる is a transitive ichidan verb with several meanings related to holding, restraining, or securing.
TRANSITIVITY:
- Type: 他動詞 (transitive)
- Pattern: 〜を押さえる
THREE MAIN MEANINGS:
1. Physical: to press down, hold in place
2. Emotional: to suppress, restrain
3. Practical: to secure, reserve
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 傷口を押さえる: to press on a wound
- 感情を押さえる: to suppress emotions
- 席を押さえる: to reserve a seat
- ポイントを押さえる: to grasp the key points
KANJI VARIANTS:
- 押さえる: physical pressing, securing
- 抑える: emotional restraint (same reading, different nuance)
RELATED:
- 押す: to push (godan verb)