godan verb (-mu), transitive verb
be careful; be discreet; be prudent
Used for exercising caution in speech, behavior, or decisions; often implies avoiding impropriety or offense.
言葉を慎んでください。
Please be careful with your words.
彼は発言を慎んだ。
He refrained from making a statement.
godan verb (-mu), transitive verb
refrain from overdoing; do in moderation; abstain
Used for holding back on excess, such as overeating, drinking, or other indulgences. Often appears as 慎むべき or 慎みなさい.
酒を慎むように言われた。
I was told to cut back on alcohol.
甘いものは慎んでいる。
I'm refraining from sweets.
godan verb (-mu), transitive verb
be reverent; show respectful restraint
Only when written 謹む
Used in formal or ceremonial contexts to show deep respect, often with the kanji 謹む. Common in set phrases like 謹んでお悔やみ申し上げます.
謹んで新年のご挨拶を申し上げます。
I respectfully offer New Year's greetings.
godan verb (-mu), transitive verb
be purified; be chaste
Rare, archaic sense associated with ritual purity or moral chastity. Mostly found in classical or religious texts.
古い文献では、身を慎むことが清らかさを保つと説かれている。
In old texts, it is taught that purifying oneself maintains chastity.