抑

抑抑、 抑々

Reading

Kana: そもそも

Romaji: somosomo

Definitions

n-adv

1

in the first place; to begin with; from the start; originally; ab initio

Note: word usually written using kana alone

conj

2

... the heck (e.g. "what the heck?"); ... in the world (e.g. "why in the world?"); ... on earth (e.g. "who on earth?")

Note: word usually written using kana alone

See also: 一体 (reading いったい, entry #1)

noun

adj-no

3

beginning; start

Note: word usually written using kana alone

Kanji

抑

Readings: ヨク、 おさ.える

Meanings: repress, well, now, in the first place, push, shove, press, seal, do in spite of

Example Sentences

彼(かれ)は感情(かんじょう)を抑(おさ)えた。

➥He subdued his passions.

王(おう)は人民(じんみん)を抑圧(よくあつ)した。

➥The king imposed heavy taxes on the people.

政府(せいふ)は物価(ぶっか)の上昇(じょうしょう)を抑(おさ)えた。

➥The government has held commodity prices in check.

彼(かれ)は怒(いか)りを抑(おさ)えた。

➥He forbore his anger.

少女(しょうじょ)は懸命(けんめい)に涙(なみだ)を抑(おさ)えた。

➥The girl tried hard to hold back her tears.

彼(かれ)はやっと復讐心(ふくしゅうしん)を抑(おさ)えた。

➥He managed to forbear his revenge.