慎(つつし)む

つつしむ
godan verb
to refrain from, to be prudent, to be careful
1. to refrain from, to abstain from, to restrain oneself
To hold back from doing something, especially something inappropriate or excessive. Often used for moderating behavior or avoiding indulgence.
飲酒(いんしゅ)を慎(つつし)む
to refrain from drinking alcohol
医者(いしゃ)に塩分(えんぶん)を慎(つつし)むように言(い)われた。
The doctor told me to cut back on salt.
健康(けんこう)のために甘(あま)いものを慎(つつし)んでいる。
I'm refraining from sweets for my health.
2. to be prudent, to be careful, to be discreet
To act with caution and discretion, being careful about one's words and actions.
言動(げんどう)を慎(つつし)む
to be careful about one's words and actions
発言(はつげん)には慎(つつし)んでください。
Please be careful with your remarks.
軽率(けいそつ)な行動(こうどう)を慎(つつし)み、慎重(しんちょう)に判断(はんだん)すべきだ。
You should refrain from rash actions and judge carefully.

TRANSITIVITY: Transitive (他動詞(たどうし)). Takes を particle: ～を慎(つつし)む.

CONJUGATION: Godan verb (ma-row): 慎(つつし)まない, 慎(つつし)みます, 慎(つつし)んで.

NUANCE: 慎(つつし)む conveys self-restraint and moderation. It's more formal than simple "やめる" and implies thoughtful control rather than just stopping.

ADJECTIVAL FORM: 慎(つつし)み深(ぶか)い (prudent, discreet)

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 言動(げんどう)を慎(つつし)む (to be careful with words and actions)
  • 飲食(いんしょく)を慎(つつし)む (to moderate eating and drinking)
  • 発言(はつげん)を慎(つつし)む (to be careful with remarks)
  • お体(からだ)を慎(つつし)んで (please take care of yourself)

RELATED WORDS:

  • 自重(じちょう)する (to exercise self-control)
  • 控(ひか)える (to refrain from, hold back)
  • 遠慮(えんりょ)する (to hold back, be reserved)
general
Added 2026.1.31 20:30
09000/09158_tsutsushimu