控える
ひかえる
hikaeru
JLPT N1verbVocabularyLevel 100 - JLPT N1
Quick answer
控える (ひかえる (hikaeru)) means "to refrain". It is read ひかえる (hikaeru). This page covers its usage with example sentences.
Meaning
to refrain
Also : to abstain · to hold back
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Example Sentences
医者は塩分摂取を控えるよう勧めた。
いしゃはえんぶんせっしゅをひかえるようすすめた。
The doctor recommended that he refrain from consuming too much salt.
舞台の裏側で、次の出番を控えている。
ぶたいのうらがわで、つぎのでばんをひかえている。
Backstage, he's waiting and ready for his next entrance.
Kanji in this word
Grammar to study at this level
- [Noun/Verb dictionary form] + に際して～に際して (ni saishite) - On the occasion of
- [Noun] + をもとに(して)～をもとに (wo moto ni) - Based on
- [Noun/Verb dictionary form] + にあたって～にあたって (ni atatte) - When doing; Upon
- [Plain form verb/adjective] + ものの～ものの (mono no) - Although; Even though
- [Verb/Adjective/Noun] + にしろ/にせよ～にしろ／にせよ (ni shiro/ni seyo) - Even if; Regardless of
Last updated Jun 17, 2026
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