What does 控える mean?
控える is a Japanese verb meaning “to hold back; to make notes” in English. It can also be translated as “to make notes, to be in a close relationship (e.g. as a backer, etc.)” depending on context. It is written as 控える in kanji, ひかえる in hiragana, and hikaeru in romaji. This word is part of JLPT N1 vocabulary.
Example sentences
あなたは喫煙をひかえるべきです。
You should refrain from smoking.
先生は生徒たちにそれらの単語をノートに控えておくよう指示した。
The teacher told the pupils to write those words down in their notebooks.
彼女は入試を控えて神経質になっていた。
She was nervous before the entrance exam.