Translation and Meaning of: 制 - sei

The Japanese word 制[せい] is a versatile term frequently used in the language, carrying meanings ranging from "control" to "system" or "regulation." If you are studying Japanese or simply curious about this expression, understanding its use and context can be extremely helpful. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and how this word is applied in everyday Japanese, as well as tips for memorizing it effectively.

Found in various contexts, from formal documents to everyday conversations, 制[せい] is one of those words that frequently appears in newspapers, animes, and even in directional signs. Whether for beginners learning Japanese or for those who wish to deepen their knowledge, understanding this expression is an important step. Here at Suki Nihongo, our Japanese dictionary, you will find detailed information to master this and other essential terms.

Meaning and use of 制[せい]

The kanji 制, read as せい, has the main meaning of "control" or "regulation." However, its use goes beyond that, as it can refer to systems, laws, or even restrictions. For example, in compound words such as 制度 (せいど - system) or 制限 (せいげん - limit), it is clear how this term is connected to ideas of organization and the imposition of rules.

In everyday sentences, it is common to hear expressions like 時間制 (じかんせい - time limit) or 年齢制限 (ねんれいせいげん - age restriction). These examples show how 制[せい] is present in situations that require some type of control or rule. Whether in work environments or public notices, this word is essential for conveying orders and guidelines.

Origin and Evolution of the term

The origin of the kanji 制 dates back to ancient China, where it was used to represent the idea of "cutting" or "dominating." Over time, its meaning expanded to include notions of control and regulation. In Japan, this character was incorporated into the language with a similar sense, but it gained its own nuances as the language evolved.

Interestingly, 制[せい] also appears in modern terms that reflect technological and social advancements. For example, 民主制 (みんしゅせい - democracy) and 資本主義制 (しほんしゅぎせい - capitalist system) show how this word has adapted to describe complex structures of contemporary society. This ability to remain relevant over the centuries is a testament to the flexibility of the Japanese language.

Tips for memorizing 制[せい]

An effective way to remember the meaning of 制[せい] is to associate it with situations that involve rules or limits. Think of traffic signs, company regulations, or even government systems. This connection with concrete contexts helps to solidify the term in your memory more permanently.

Another strategy is to study compound words that use this kanji. By learning vocabulary such as 体制 (たいせい - system) or 制服 (せいふく - uniform), you not only expand your knowledge but also reinforce the original meaning of 制[せい]. Repeating these words in practical sentences can be especially helpful for those starting to learn Japanese.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 規制 (Kisei) - Regulation, imposition of rules
• 統制 (Tousei) - Control, supervision, management of systems
• 指導 (Shidou) - Guidance, leadership, educational supervision
• 管理 (Kanri) - Management, resource administration
• 規律 (Kiritu) - Discipline, order, standards to be followed
• 規定 (Kitei) - Standard, provision, established rules
• 制度 (Seido) - System, organizational structure, formal rules
• 制約 (Seiyaku) - Restrictions, imposed limitations
• 制限 (Seigen) - Limitation, imposition of limits

制

Romaji: sei
Kana: せい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: system; organization; imperial command; laws; regulation; control; government; suppression; restriction; retention; establishment

Meaning in English: system;organization;imperial command;laws;regulation;control;government;suppression;restraint;holding back;establishment

Definition: To be regulated by rules or laws.

Example Sentences - (制) sei

See below some example sentences:

規制は必要な場合があります。

Kisei wa hitsuyou na baai ga arimasu

Regulation is necessary in some cases.

Regulation may be necessary.

• 規制 (kisei) - Regulação
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 必要 (hitsuyou) - Necessary
• な (na) - Particle indicating adjective
• 場合 (baai) - Case
• が (ga) - Subject particle
• あります (arimasu) - Verb "to have" as in exist

統制は国家の安定に必要な要素です。

Tōsei wa kokka no antei ni hitsuyōna yōso desu

Control is a necessary element for the stability of a nation.

Control is a necessary element of nation stability.

• 統制 - Control, regulation
• は - Topic particle
• 国家 - Estado, nação
• の - Possession particle
• 安定 - stability
• に - target particle
• 必要 - necessary
• な - attribute particle
• 要素 - element
• です - verb to be

私たちは階級制度を廃止する必要があると信じています。

Watashitachi wa kaikyū seido o haishi suru hitsuyō ga aru to shinjite imasu

We believe we need to abolish the class system.

We believe we need to abolish the class system.

• 私たちは - We
• 階級制度 - class system
• を - object particle
• 廃止する - abolish
• 必要がある - be necessary
• と - Quote particle
• 信じています - believe

抑制することは自己制御の重要な要素です。

Yokusei suru koto wa jiko seigyo no juuyou na youso desu

Exercising control is an important element of self-control.

Control is an important factor in self-control.

• 抑制する - Verb that means "inhibit", "repress", "control".
• こと - noun meaning "thing", "fact"
• は - particle that marks the theme of the sentence
• 自己制御 - Compound noun that means "self-control", "self-discipline".
• の - Particle indicating possession or relationship
• 重要な - Adjective meaning "important"
• 要素 - noun that means "element", "component"
• です - verb indicating "to be" or "to exist" in a polite form

制限時間があります。

Seigen jikan ga arimasu

There is a time limit.

There is a time limit.

• 制限時間 - time limit
• が - subject particle
• あります - verb "exist" in polite form

この制度は公正であると信じています。

Kono seido wa kōsei de aru to shinjiteimasu

I believe this system is fair.

• この制度 - This policy/system
• は - Topic particle
• 公正 - Justo/imparcial
• である - To be
• と - Quotation particle
• 信じています - I believe

体制を整える必要がある。

Taisei wo totonoeru hitsuyou ga aru

It is necessary to establish a system.

It is necessary to prepare the system.

• 体制 - means "system" or "structure" in Japanese.
• を - object particle in Japanese, indicating that "体制" is the object of the sentence.
• 整える - verb that means "adjust" or "organize" in Japanese.
• 必要 - Adjective meaning "necessary" or "essential" in Japanese.
• が - Subject particle in Japanese, indicating that "必要" is the subject of the sentence.
• ある - verb meaning "to exist" or "to have" in Japanese, indicating that the action of "整える" is necessary.

制定することは重要です。

Seitei suru koto wa juuyou desu

It is important to establish policies.

It is important to establish.

• 制定すること - It means "establish" or "create a policy/law/regulation".
• は - Grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 重要です - It means "it is important".

専制主義は民主主義とは対極にある。

Senshoku shugi wa minshu shugi to wa taikyoku ni aru

Despotism is opposite to democracy.

The tube is the opposite of democracy.

• 専制主義 - political system in which power is exercised in an absolute way by a single person or group
• 民主主義 - political system in which power is exercised by the people, through elections and popular participation
• 対極 - opposite, contrary
• にある - to be in, to be present in

彼女は自分の感情を制することができる。

Kanojo wa jibun no kanjou o seisuru koto ga dekiru

She can control her emotions.

She can control her emotions.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 自分 (jibun) - yourself
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 感情 (kanjou) - emotion
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 制する (seisuru) - to control
• ことができる (koto ga dekiru) - Be able to