noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
self-restraint; penitence; disciplining oneself
Voluntary or self-imposed restraint, often as a form of apology or reflection after a mistake. Can be used for personal conduct or public figures.
彼は失言の責任を取って謹慎している。
He is exercising self-restraint to take responsibility for his gaffe.
不祥事を受けて、社長は一ヶ月の謹慎を自らに課した。
In response to the scandal, the president imposed a month of self-discipline on himself.
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
Often used for disciplinary confinement to one's home, especially in historical or samurai contexts, but also in modern disciplinary actions.
江戸時代、武士は不始末の罰として謹慎を命じられた。
In the Edo period, samurai were ordered into house arrest as punishment for misconduct.
彼は素行不良で一週間の謹慎を言い渡された。
He was given a week of confinement for bad behavior.
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
suspension (from work or school)
Formal disciplinary suspension, often used in compounds like 謹慎処分. Implies being ordered to stay away from regular duties.
See also: 謹慎処分
暴力事件を起こした生徒は謹慎処分を受けた。
The student who committed the violent act received a suspension.
彼は会社から二週間の謹慎を命じられた。
He was ordered by the company to serve a two-week suspension.