Translation guide
The English word 'control' covers a wide range of meanings, from managing systems and emotions to dominating others. Japanese uses different words and patterns depending on what is being controlled and how.
To direct the functioning of something, often with a device or by adjusting settings.
The most common and technical term for controlling machines, systems, or processes. Used for things like temperature, robots, or traffic.
このシステムは温度を自動で制御します。
This system automatically controls the temperature.
ロボットを遠隔で制御する。
Control the robot remotely.
Focuses on the physical act of operating or manipulating a device, like a computer or a machine. More hands-on than 制御.
この機械は簡単に操作できます。
This machine is easy to control/operate.
Used for managing systems, data, or resources, often with an administrative nuance. Not for physical machines.
データベースを管理する。
Manage/control the database.
To keep feelings or actions in check, often through self-discipline.
To dominate, command, or determine the actions of others.
Implies strong control or domination over people, territories, or markets. Can have a negative connotation.
彼は会社を完全に支配している。
He completely controls the company.
To keep something within desired bounds, often through rules or mechanisms.
Used for official regulations or controls imposed by authorities, like government price controls or speed limits.
政府が価格を規制する。
The government controls prices.
To ensure accuracy or consistency by comparison or testing.
The standard phrase for a controlled experiment. The noun 'control' in this sense is 対照 (たいしょう) or 対照群 (たいしょうぐん).
対照実験を行って結果を比較する。
Conduct a control experiment and compare the results.
The English verb 'control' cannot always be directly translated as コントロールする. For machines, use 制御する or 操作する; for emotions, use 抑える; for dominating, use 支配する. Using コントロールする for everything can sound unnatural or overly vague.
制御 (せいぎょ) is for automatic or technical control (e.g., temperature, robots). 操作 (そうさ) is for manual operation (e.g., driving a car, using a computer). 管理 (かんり) is for administrative management (e.g., data, schedules).
怒りを抑えられない。
I can't control my temper.
このプロジェクトを管理しているのは誰ですか？
Who controls this project?
General verb for suppressing or holding back something like emotions, laughter, or desires.
怒りを抑える。
Control one's anger.
笑いを抑えられなかった。
I couldn't control my laughter.
Loanword from English, often used for controlling emotions or oneself, but can sound slightly more abstract or psychological.
感情をコントロールするのが難しい。
It's hard to control my emotions.
Formal term for self-control or self-restraint. Often used in serious contexts.
彼は自制心が強い。
He has strong self-control.
To have a firm grasp or control over a situation, organization, or information. Often used in political or business contexts.
彼は組織を掌握している。
He has control of the organization.
Colloquial and somewhat negative term for dominating or pulling the strings behind the scenes.
彼が会議を牛耳っている。
He's controlling the meeting (in a domineering way).
To curb or restrain growth, inflation, or excessive behavior. Often used in economic or medical contexts.
インフレを抑制する政策。
Policies to control inflation.
To cross-check or verify data against a control or standard.
データを元の記録と照合する。
Control/verify the data against the original records.