- Basic forms
- 慎む — be careful; refrain; act modestly / base form
- 慎みます — is careful; refrains / masu form
- 慎んだ — was careful; refrained / ta form
- 慎んで — being careful … / te form
- 慎まない — do not refrain / negative
- 慎めば — if (one) is careful / conditional
- 慎め — be careful! / imperative
- Common expressions
- 言動を慎む — be careful with one’s words and actions
- 行動を慎む — restrain one’s behavior
- 酒を慎む — refrain from drinking alcohol
- More
- 慎んでおります — am refraining (polite / formal)
慎む(つつしむ) is a godan verb. It means to act with restraint or care, often used in polite, formal, or moral contexts.
- 慎む — to be careful / to be discreet
- 慎重 — careful / cautious / deliberate
- 慎思 — careful thought / reflection
- 慎行 — prudent conduct
- 謹慎 — house arrest / discipline / good behavior
The kanji 慎 combines the heart radical 心 with the sound element 真. Together they suggest a heart that is genuine and careful, giving the sense of caution, humility, and prudence.