Japanese phrase
___は発言を控えます。 ___ wa hatsu gen o hika e ma su
Meaning
___ will hold back from commenting.
When to use it
Indicates that the speaker chooses not to comment. The expression is formal and can show caution, neutrality, or respect for a decision that belongs to someone else.
Example dialogue
人事の話なので、私は発言を控えます。 jin ji no hanashi na no de watashi wa hatsu gen o hika e ma su
Since this concerns personnel matters, I will hold back from commenting.
わかりました。次に進みます。 wa ka ri ma shi ta tsugi ni susu mi ma su
I understand. Let's move on.