慎む（つつしむ） - Expressing Caution and Restraint
Explanation
“慎む”（つつしむ） in Japanese means "to be cautious" or "to exercise restraint." It is pronounced as "tsutsushimu." This word is used to express politeness, self-control, or restraint in one's behavior. In sentences, it typically functions as a verb, indicating that someone is being cautious about certain actions or words.
Grammar Pattern
“慎む” is mainly used to express a cautious attitude toward certain actions or words. It can be used for self-restraint or to advise or command others to be cautious.
| Grammar Point | Connection | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| + Noun | Expresses caution in speech | |
| + Noun | Expresses caution in behavior |
Basic Usage
“慎む” is commonly used in the following scenarios:
-
言葉 を慎む（ことばをつつしむ）- To be cautious with words
- To restrain one's speech and avoid saying inappropriate things.
-
行動 を慎む（こうどうをつつしむ）- To be cautious in actions
- To act carefully and avoid reckless behavior.
Examples
彼 は言葉 を慎むべきだ。- Kare wa kotoba o tsutsushimu beki da.
- He should be cautious with his words.
彼 は行動 を慎むようにしている。- Kare wa koudou o tsutsushimu you ni shiteiru.
- He is trying to act cautiously.
先生 は私 に言葉 を慎むように言 った。- Sensei wa watashi ni kotoba o tsutsushimu you ni itta.
- The teacher told me to be cautious with my words.
Deep Dive
“慎む” is used to express self-restraint or control over one's behavior, often in formal or written contexts. In such cases, it indicates self-control, restraint, or limitation of certain actions.
For example:
彼 は酒 を慎んでいる。- Kare wa sake o tsutsushindeiru.
- He is restraining himself from drinking alcohol.
This usage reflects self-restraint in personal behavior.
Comparison and Differences
“慎む” vs. “控える”（ひかえる）
| Word | Meaning | Usage Context |
|---|---|---|
| 慎む | Inner cautious attitude, used in formal contexts | Written language, formal expressions |
| 控える | Practical restraint in actions | Daily life, actual control |
彼 は酒 を慎んでいる。- Kare wa sake o tsutsushindeiru.
- He is restraining himself from drinking alcohol.
彼 は酒 を控えている。- Kare wa sake o hikaeteiru.
- He is limiting his alcohol consumption.
“慎む” vs. “気を付ける”（きをつける）
- “気を付ける” means "to be careful" or "to pay attention" and is widely used in daily life, while “慎む” is more formal and emphasizes a cautious, restrained attitude.
For example:
道路 を渡 る時は気を付けてください。- Douro o wataru toki wa ki o tsukete kudasai.
- Please be careful when crossing the street.
行動 を慎んでください。- Koudou o tsutsushinde kudasai.
- Please act cautiously.
The former is a general reminder, while the latter is more formal, indicating a high level of vigilance and self-restraint in behavior.
Real-Life Scenarios
- In business meetings, speakers might use “慎む” to remind themselves and others to maintain a professional and polite attitude.
- In family education, parents might tell their children “言葉を慎む” to cultivate politeness and self-restraint.
Cultural Background
In Japanese culture, politeness and caution are highly valued virtues. “慎む” is widely used to express self-restraint and discipline in behavior and speech. This cautious attitude is not limited to personal behavior but also extends to respect for others and adherence to social norms.
Summary
“慎む” is a word used in formal contexts to express a cautious attitude toward behavior and speech. Mastering its usage and distinctions will help improve the accuracy and politeness of Japanese expression.