Translation guide
The English word 'controlling' can refer to managing, regulating, or dominating something or someone. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for these meanings, from neutral management to negative domination.
To express the idea of managing, supervising, or being in control of a process, organization, or situation.
The most common and neutral term for managing or controlling systems, resources, or operations.
彼はプロジェクト全体を管理している。
He is controlling the entire project.
Implies centralized control, often used for government or organizational regulation.
政府は物価を統制しようとしている。
The government is trying to control prices.
Means to grasp or seize control, often used in political or strategic contexts.
彼は会社の実権を掌握した。
He seized control of the company.
To express the idea of keeping something within limits, such as emotions, speed, or spending.
Common verb for suppressing or holding back something like emotions, urges, or increases.
怒りを抑えるのが難しい。
It's hard to control my anger.
Technical term for controlling machines or systems, also used for self-control.
この装置は温度を自動で制御する。
This device automatically controls the temperature.
Loanword from English, widely used in casual and business contexts for controlling various things.
体重をコントロールするのは大変だ。
Controlling my weight is tough.
To express the negative sense of controlling another person's actions or thoughts.
Strong word for dominating or ruling over someone, often with a negative connotation.
彼は家族を完全に支配している。
He completely controls his family.
Implies manipulation, like pulling strings; often used for controlling people from behind the scenes.
彼女は人を操るのがうまい。
She is good at controlling people.
Means to make someone do as one wishes; conveys a sense of imposing one's will.
彼は何でも思い通りにしようとする。
He tries to control everything his way.
To express being in a position of control or influence, often in competitive or strategic contexts.
Literally 'grasp the initiative'; used when someone takes control of a situation or leads.
彼が会議の主導権を握った。
He took control of the meeting.
Colloquial and somewhat negative term for dominating or bossing a group or organization.
彼がチームを牛耳っている。
He is controlling the team.
Using コントロールする for controlling a person can sound unnatural or overly direct. Instead, use 支配する or 操る for negative control, or 管理する for supervision.
彼は部下を管理するのが上手だ。
He is good at managing his subordinates. (Not 'controlling' in a negative sense)