禁欲(きんよく)

Describes the restraint of desires and self-denial. Can range from religious asceticism (monks, spiritual practice) to more general self-discipline (avoiding excess spending, controlling appetites).

Common collocations

• 禁欲的(きんよくてき): ascetic, austere (na-adjective)
• 禁欲的(きんよくてき)な生活(せいかつ): ascetic lifestyle
• 禁欲(きんよく)主義(しゅぎ): asceticism (as a philosophy)
• 禁欲(きんよく)主義者(しゅぎしゃ): ascetic (person)

Cultural note

In Japanese religious traditions, 禁欲(きんよく) is associated with Buddhist monks and Shinto ascetics (修験者(しゅげんじゃ)) who practice extreme self-denial. In modern usage, it can also describe someone with a stoic, self-disciplined personality.

Similar words

• 節制(せっせい): moderation, temperance — less extreme; about moderating excess rather than complete denial
• 断食(だんじき): fasting — specifically refers to abstaining from food
• 克己(こっき): self-mastery — emphasizes conquering one's own weaknesses

Etymology

禁(きん) (prohibit, abstain) + 欲(よく) (desire, craving).