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~を控ひかえて: meaning, usage and examples

~を控ひかえて means: with... coming up / ahead of...

Updated 9 November 2026 · By the My Senpai team · Spotted a mistake? Tell us

Examples

1. 卒業そつぎょうを控ひかえて、学生がくせいたちは期待きたいと不安ふあんでいっぱいだ。

   With graduation coming up, the students are full of hope and anxiety.

2. 大事だいじな試合しあいを控ひかえて、選手せんしゅたちは練習れんしゅうに集中しゅうちゅうしている。

   Ahead of the important match, the players are focused on practice.

3. 結婚式けっこんしきを来月らいげつに控ひかえて、姉あねは準備じゅんびに追おわれている。

   With her wedding coming up next month, my older sister is busy with preparations.

4. 選挙せんきょを一週間いっしゅうかん後ごに控ひかえて、候補こうほ者しゃたちの演説えんぜつにも熱ねつが入はいっている。

   With the election a week away, the candidates are speaking with growing passion.

When to use it

Means "with A coming up soon" and describes how people prepare or feel just before an important event like an exam, wedding, election or match. Example: 試験しけんを明日あしたに控ひかえて、緊張きんちょうしている (with the exam tomorrow, I am nervous). Also used for places, meaning "having something nearby": 山やまを後うしろに控ひかえた町まち.

Nuance

Neutral to formal, common in news and writing. The noun is an important, scheduled event that is near. The second clause describes preparation, feelings or atmosphere, not an unrelated action. Do not confuse with 控ひかえる meaning "to refrain from" (お酒さけを控ひかえる).

Compare

を前まえに(して) is very close and more everyday: 試験しけんを前まえにして緊張きんちょうする. を控ひかえて stresses that the event is near and important. に先立さきだって means "before, as a preliminary step" and does not stress nearness: 式しきに先立さきだって説明せつめいがあった.

Tip: Add a time to make it precise: 結婚式けっこんしきを一週間いっしゅうかん後ごに控ひかえて. The pattern is を＜time＞に控ひかえて, with the time word before に.