1.
going easy
going easy; holding back; pulling one's punches; moderation
手加減しないで。
Don't hold back.
子ども相手だから手加減して遊んだ。
I went easy on them since they were children.
彼は手加減抜きで勝負に挑んだ。
He went into the match without holding back.
手加減 literally means "hand adjustment" and refers to moderating one's strength or effort, typically to avoid causing harm or to match an opponent's level.
Common expressions:
- 手加減する (to go easy, to hold back)
- 手加減なし / 手加減抜き (without holding back, full force)
- 手加減してもらう (to have someone go easy on you)
Contexts:
- Sports/games: adjusting effort when playing against weaker opponents
- Criticism/feedback: softening criticism to be less harsh
- Physical activities: not using full strength