Translation guide
How to express the idea of 'reserves' in Japanese, covering backup supplies, military forces, sports substitutes, and personal restraint.
Something kept for future use, such as money, food, or resources.
General term for something held in reserve for emergencies or future needs. Commonly used for supplies, funds, or spare parts.
Please prepare reserve water for emergencies.
予備のバッテリーを持っていますか？
Do you have a spare battery?
Emphasizes something that has been saved or stored up over time, like savings or food stores. Often implies a personal or household reserve.
彼は老後のために蓄えをしている。
He is building up reserves for his retirement.
Specifically refers to stockpiling goods, often for emergencies or national reserves. More formal than 予備.
政府は石油の備蓄を増やしている。
The government is increasing its oil reserves.
Military forces not on active duty but available for mobilization.
Standard term for military reserve forces or personnel on reserve duty.
彼は予備役の将校だ。
He is a reserve officer.
Can refer to reserve troops or, metaphorically, a group of potential recruits or supporters.
A player who is not in the starting lineup but can enter the game.
Common term for a substitute player or benchwarmer in sports.
彼はまだ控え選手だが、いつかレギュラーになりたい。
He's still a reserve player, but he wants to become a regular someday.
Loanword from English, used in some sports contexts, but 控え選手 is more natural.
The quality of being reserved in behavior or speech; not showing feelings openly.
Refers to holding back out of consideration for others, modesty, or politeness. Often used in social situations.
遠慮しないで、もっと食べてください。
Don't hold back; please eat more. (lit. Don't be reserved.)
Describes a person or behavior that is modest, restrained, or understated. Can be used for personality or actions.
Means shy or introverted, often implying a reserved nature due to timidity.
We need to call up the reserves.
彼はリザーブとしてベンチに座っている。
He's sitting on the bench as a reserve.
彼女は控えめな性格だ。
She has a reserved personality.
He is shy and doesn't talk much.