1Holding back one's words or actions out of consideration for others; reserve, restraint, or tact.
彼は遠慮がちに意見を言った。
He offered his opinion hesitantly.
初対面の人には少し遠慮してしまう。
I tend to hold back a bit around people I've just met.
遠慮しないで、好きなだけ食べてください。
Don't hold back — please eat as much as you like.
彼女は遠慮のない発言でよく知られている。
She's well known for speaking without reserve.
2Politely declining or refraining from accepting an offer or invitation.
「もう一杯いかがですか」「いえ、遠慮しておきます」
"Would you like another glass?" "No, I'll pass, thank you."
都合が悪かったので、招待を遠慮させていただいた。
Since it wasn't convenient, I respectfully declined the invitation.
ここでの写真撮影はご遠慮ください。
Please refrain from taking photos here.
3(Original meaning) Careful forethought or foresight, thinking ahead with prudence.
「遠慮」はもともと将来を見通す深い考えという意味だった。
"Enryo" originally meant deep, far-sighted consideration of the future.