禁欲
kin'yoku
Abstinence in Japanese is 禁欲 (kin'yoku).
The noun 禁欲 refers to the act or practice of abstaining. It is most commonly used when discussing religious asceticism, the practice of self-discipline or the suppression of physical desires.
Meaning: the act or practice of abstaining (noun)
Did you know?
- In modern Japanese internet slang and anime culture, the term 禁欲系 (kinyoku-kei) describes a specific 'type' of character who is outwardly stoic or repressed but possesses a hidden intensity or attractiveness.
- The term 禁欲 (kin'yoku) is closely related to the concept of 穢れ (kegare) or 'impurity'. In this cultural context, abstinence is not just about willpower but is a method of 'purifying' the self from spiritual pollution.
- If your abstinence is specifically related to fasting from food, you should use 断食 (danjiki) instead of 禁欲 (kin'yoku). Using the latter for a diet might sound more like you are a monk performing a religious rite than someone following a nutritional plan.
Examples in context
- 彼は禁欲を実践している。Kare wa kin'yoku o jissen shite iru.He is practicing abstinence.
- 禁欲は精神を鍛える。Kin'yoku wa seishin o kitaeru.Abstinence strengthens the mind.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing lifestyle choices at a cafe.
- 結衣 Yui最近、禁欲しているの？Saikin, kin'yoku shite iru no?Are you practicing abstinence lately?
- 大翔 Hirotoうん、生活習慣を変えたいんだ。Un, seikatsu shūkan o kaetai nda.Yeah, I want to change my lifestyle habits.
- 結衣 Yui大翔は意志が強いね。Hiroto wa ishi ga tsuyoi ne.Hiroto, you have a strong will.
- 大翔 Hirotoありがとう、頑張るよ。Arigatō, ganbaru yo.Thanks, I'll do my best.
