控える
ひかえる
hikaeru
JLPT N3verbVocabularyLevel 39 - JLPT N3
Quick answer
控える (ひかえる (hikaeru)) means "to refrain". It is read ひかえる (hikaeru). This page covers its usage with example sentences.
Meaning
to refrain
Also : to abstain · to hold back
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Example Sentences
医者は塩分摂取を控えるよう勧めた。
いしゃはえんぶんせっしゅをひかえるようすすめた。
The doctor recommended that he refrain from consuming too much salt.
舞台の裏側で、次の出番を控えている。
ぶたいのうらがわで、つぎのでばんをひかえている。
Backstage, he's waiting and ready for his next entrance.
Kanji in this word
Grammar to study at this level
- [Verb dictionary/nai form] + ように～ように (you ni) - So that
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことにする～ことにする (koto ni suru) - Decide to
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことになる～ことになる (koto ni naru) - It has been decided that
- [Noun/Verb te-form] + ばかり～ばかり (bakari) - Only / Nothing but
- [Verb/Adjective plain form] + はずだ～はずだ (hazu da) - Should be / It is expected
Last updated Jul 25, 2026
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