To restrain or hold back; to be moderate or refrain from something (e.g., limit intake or curb behavior).
健康のために塩分を控えるようにしている。
I'm trying to cut down on salt for my health.
飲み会のときはお酒を控えて運転した。
I refrained from drinking at the party because I had to drive.
彼は感情を控えて冷静に対応した。
He held back his emotions and responded calmly.
To make a note of something; to jot down or record information.
お名前と電話番号を控えさせていただけますか？
May I note down your name and phone number?
会議の要点はノートに控えておいた。
I jotted down the main points of the meeting in my notebook.
To be in preparation for or to be awaiting an upcoming event; to be close to a planned occasion.
本番を控えて最後のリハーサルを行った。
We held a final rehearsal in preparation for the performance.
来月の試験を控え、彼は猛勉強している。
With next month's exam approaching, he's studying intensely.
To indicate that something is about to happen or is imminent; often used in phrases like 'with X approaching'.
年末を控え、町はどこも忙しそうだ。
With the year-end approaching, the town looks busy everywhere.
選挙を控え、候補者たちは精力的に演説している。
With the election coming up, the candidates are energetically giving speeches.
To be in a close relationship with someone or some organization, often acting as a backer or having backing/support.
その政治家は大手企業に控えて資金援助を受けていると噂されている。
It is rumored that the politician is backed by a major company and receives funding support.