抑
抑·restrain, hold down, suppress, check
- On-yomi
- ヨク
- Kun-yomi
- おさ(える)
By Nihongo PathUpdated
Stroke order
Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.
Common words
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 抑える | おさえる | to hold down, to keep in check |
| 抑制 | よくせい | restraint, control |
| 抑圧 | よくあつ | oppression, repression |
| 抑止力 | よくしりょく | deterrent, deterrence |
Example sentences
怒りを抑えるのは難しい。
いかりをおさえるのはむずかしい。
It is hard to hold back one's anger.
政府は物価の上昇を抑制しようとしている。
せいふはぶっかのじょうしょうをよくせいしようとしている。
The government is trying to curb the rise in prices.
Similar-looking kanji
Do not confuse these on the exam.
Common mistakes
- Mixing 抑える (to restrain something that would otherwise rise or burst out) with 押さえる (to press down on something physically)
- Reading 抑制 as よくさい — it is よくせい
Memory aid
Picture it
扌 (hand) beside 卬 (a kneeling figure): a hand pressing someone down where they are — hold back, keep in check.
Vocabulary using this kanji
Quick check
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What does the kanji 抑 mean?