refrain · note

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 控 has 11 strokes and the on-reading こう. 控える (ひかえる) and 控えめ (ひかえめ) relate to refraining or restraint.
• Basic usage: 控える can also mean standing by. 控えめ describes a restrained amount or a reserved manner.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Refraining, waiting, and restraint
  • 甘い飲み物を控えている means avoiding sweet drinks; 舞台の袖で控える means waiting one's turn at the side of the stage.
  • 塩を控えめにして means using less salt. The clause after 控えめだが says that the person states the main point clearly, so a reserved manner does not imply poor speaking ability.