noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', transitive verb, intransitive verb
reserve; restraint; holding back
Refraining from saying or doing something out of consideration for others, social harmony, or modesty. Often used in the phrase 遠慮なく (without reserve).
初めての会議では、つい遠慮してしまった。
At my first meeting, I ended up holding back without meaning to.
遠慮なく意見を言ってください。
Please feel free to speak your mind.
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', transitive verb, intransitive verb
declining; refraining
Politely refusing an offer or invitation, or choosing not to do something, often with する. Common in set phrases like ご遠慮ください (please refrain).
お酒は遠慮しておきます。
I'll pass on the alcohol, thank you.
館内での写真撮影はご遠慮ください。
Please refrain from taking photos inside the building.
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', transitive verb, intransitive verb
Original, now largely literary meaning: thinking ahead, prudence. Rare in modern conversation; usually encountered in older texts or formal writing.
遠慮を欠いた行動は後悔を招く。
Actions lacking forethought invite regret.