1.
copy; duplicate; record kept for reference
A copy or duplicate of a document, receipt, or record kept for one's own reference. Common in business and administrative contexts.
領収書の控えを取っておく。
I keep a copy of the receipt.
申請書の控えはお持ちですか。
Do you have a copy of the application form?
大事な書類は必ず控えを作って別の場所に保管しておくべきだ。
You should always make copies of important documents and store them in a separate place.
2.
reserve; substitute; backup
A person or thing held in reserve, ready to step in when needed. Used in sports for substitute players and in other contexts for backups.
控えの選手として待機する。
I stand by as a reserve player.
今日は控えに回った。
Today I was on the bench.
控えの投手が登板して、見事に試合を締めくくった。
The relief pitcher took the mound and brilliantly closed out the game.
USAGE: 控え is the noun form of 控える (to refrain; to note down; to wait). As a noun, its two main meanings are (1) a duplicate/copy kept for reference and (2) a reserve/backup.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 控えを取る: to make a copy
- 控えの選手: reserve player, substitute
- 控えに回る: to go to the bench, to step back to a backup role
- 控え室: waiting room, green room