discreet

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The on reading is きん, and the kun reading is つつしむ. It has 17 strokes and relates to acting respectfully or exercising restraint.
• Basic usage: 謹む is read つつしむ, and 謹慎 is read きんしん.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 謹む and 謹慎
  • 謹む means to refrain or to conduct oneself with restraint. The verb itself expresses restraint; in the example, 謹んで functions adverbially as humbly or respectfully.
  • 新年を迎え、謹んでご挨拶申し上げます。 means “At the start of the new year, I respectfully offer my greetings.”
  • 謹慎 means disciplinary suspension or confinement. It refers to confinement or a disciplinary suspension in which a person refrains from activity after wrongdoing.
  • 規則違反をした選手は一週間の謹慎となった。 means “The athlete who broke the rules received a one-week disciplinary suspension.”