To act with care; to be discreet or cautious (avoid being careless).
重要な場では言葉遣いを慎むべきだ。
You should be careful with your language on important occasions.
夜道では一人で歩くのを慎んだほうがいい。
It's better to avoid walking alone on streets at night.
軽率な発言は慎みたい。
I want to refrain from making careless remarks.
To moderate or refrain from excess; to abstain or practice restraint (e.g., in eating, drinking, behavior).
健康のために飲酒を慎んでいる。
I'm refraining from drinking alcohol for my health.
ダイエット中なので間食を慎んでいる。
I'm avoiding snacks because I'm on a diet.
派手な服装は結婚式では慎んだほうがいい。
It's better to avoid flashy outfits at a wedding.
To show reverence or behave with solemn reserve; used in formal or ritual contexts.
参拝の際は謹んだ態度で祈りを捧げた。
When visiting the shrine, I offered my prayers with a reverent attitude.
彼は常に慎んだ振る舞いをしている。
He always behaves with restraint and propriety.
To be purified or chaste (an older or more religious usage).
神に仕える者は身を慎むことが求められた。
Those who served the gods were required to keep themselves pure.