How to Say "restraint" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “restraint” is “contención” — use 'contención' when referring to the act of holding back or containing something, like emotions, water, or physical forces.
English → Spanish
contención
nounB1general
Use 'contención' when referring to the act of holding back or containing something, like emotions, water, or physical forces.
Examples
El muro de contención evitó que el río inundara la ciudad.
The retaining wall prevented the river from flooding the city.
freno
FREH-nohˈfɾeno
nounB2colloquial
Use 'freno' when 'restraint' refers to a lack of control or an internal limit, often used idiomatically for someone who talks too much or acts impulsively.
Examples
No tiene freno cuando se pone a hablar.
He has no restraint once he starts talking.
La ley sirvió como un freno a la corrupción.
The law served as a check on corruption.
Figurative use
Just like in English, we use the word for stopping a car to describe stopping a behavior.
Contención vs. Freno
Learners often confuse 'contención' and 'freno' because both relate to holding back. Remember that 'contención' is about external or internal containment, like a dam, while 'freno' specifically implies a lack of self-control or an excessive lack of limits, especially in speech or behavior.
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.