Translation guide
The English phrase "holding back" can refer to physically restraining something, suppressing emotions or actions, or refraining from doing something. Japanese uses different verbs and expressions depending on the nuance.
To physically hold something or someone back from moving forward
General verb for holding back, suppressing, or restraining something physically or abstractly.
彼は怒りを抑えた。
He held back his anger.
群衆を抑えるのは大変だった。
It was difficult to hold back the crowd.
Often interchangeable with 抑える, but can imply physically pressing down or holding something in place.
彼は犬を押さえた。
He held the dog back.
To physically hold someone back from leaving, or to detain them.
彼女は彼の腕を引き止めた。
She held him back by the arm.
To control or not show feelings like anger, tears, laughter
To endure or hold back something like tears, laughter, or anger with effort.
彼女は涙をこらえた。
She held back her tears.
笑いをこらえるのに必死だった。
I was desperate to hold back my laughter.
Also used for suppressing emotions, similar to こらえる but slightly more formal.
To endure or put up with something, often used for holding back desires or impulses.
食べたい気持ちを我慢した。
I held back my desire to eat.
To not do something you want to do, or to hesitate
To refrain from doing something, often out of consideration or self-restraint.
発言を控えてください。
Please hold back your comments.
彼は酒を控えている。
He is holding back on alcohol.
To hold back out of politeness or modesty; to refrain from imposing.
遠慮しないで、もっと食べてください。
Don't hold back, please eat more.
To hold back one's full strength or ability, often in a competitive context.
相手が初心者なので手加減した。
I held back because my opponent was a beginner.
To pause or not act due to uncertainty or reluctance
To hesitate or hold back from doing something because of doubt or reluctance.
彼は真実を言うのをためらった。
He held back from telling the truth.
More formal or literary word for hesitating.
彼女は返事を躊躇した。
She held back her reply.
抑える (おさえる) is a general verb for holding back or suppressing something, both physical and emotional. こらえる is specifically for enduring or holding back emotional expressions like tears or laughter. 控える (ひかえる) is used when you refrain from an action out of consideration or self-restraint.
Do not literally translate 'hold back' as 持って戻る or similar. The appropriate Japanese verb depends on what is being held back.
怒りを抑えられなかった。
I couldn't hold back my anger.