遠慮

えんりょする

To hold back, refrain, hesitate

N4verb·enryosuru

How to remember it

遠 (far) + 慮 (consider) = keeping a considerate distance; holding yourself back.

Example sentences

  • 遠慮しないで、どうぞお食べください。

    えんりょしないで、どうぞおたべください。

    Please don't hold back; go ahead and eat.

  • 彼は意見を言うのを遠慮した。

    かれはいけんをいうのをえんりょした。

    He held back from stating his opinion.

Usage

Often heard in the negative 遠慮しないで (don't be shy, go ahead).

Related words

遠慮控える慎む気遣い

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