Translation guide
The English word "discipline" covers several distinct concepts: self-control, a field of study, punishment, and training. Japanese uses different words for each.
The ability to control one's behavior, follow rules, or stick to a plan.
It takes discipline to wake up early every day. · He lacks the discipline to save money.
General term for self-control or self-restraint. Often used in contexts like dieting, anger management, or resisting temptation.
ダイエットには自制が必要だ。
Dieting requires discipline.
Refers to discipline as order, rules, or maintaining good habits, often in a group or institutional setting (school, military, team). Can also mean personal discipline.
彼は規律正しい生活を送っている。
He leads a disciplined life.
Self-discipline, autonomy. Emphasizes governing oneself without external control. Common in self-help or educational contexts.
自律心を養うことが大切だ。
It's important to cultivate self-discipline.
Literally "strict with oneself." A natural way to describe someone who has discipline or self-control.
彼女は自分に厳しい人だ。
She is a disciplined person.
A branch of knowledge or area of academic study.
She works across multiple disciplines. · History is a fascinating discipline.
Broad term for scholarship, learning, or an academic discipline. Often used in formal contexts.
物理学は難しい学問だ。
Physics is a difficult discipline.
Means "field" or "area." Commonly used to refer to a discipline or specialized area of study.
Refers to a specific subject or course of study, often in a school curriculum. Can also mean a department.
Punishment intended to correct or train, especially for children or in institutional settings.
The school has a strict discipline policy. · He needs firm discipline.
Formal term for disciplinary action or punishment, often used in legal, corporate, or school contexts.
彼は規則違反で懲戒処分を受けた。
He received disciplinary action for breaking the rules.
Refers to discipline in the sense of child-rearing, training, or teaching manners. Often used for parental discipline.
General word for punishment. Can be used for discipline in the sense of penalizing bad behavior.
悪いことをしたら罰を与えるべきだ。
You should discipline bad behavior.
Systematic training to improve a skill or develop a quality, often through rigorous practice.
Learning a musical instrument requires discipline. · Yoga is a discipline of mind and body.
Implies rigorous training or discipline to master a skill, often used in martial arts, arts, or spiritual practices.
武道の修練には忍耐が必要だ。
Discipline in martial arts requires patience.
Focuses on physical or mental training, forging one's abilities through hard work. Often used for sports or self-improvement.
Ascetic training or discipline, often with religious or spiritual connotations (e.g., Buddhist training). Can be used metaphorically for intense self-improvement.
The English word "discipline" has no single Japanese equivalent. Using the wrong word can cause confusion. Always identify the specific meaning first.
「ディシプリン」は日本語では通じないことが多い。
"Discipline" (as a loanword) is often not understood in Japanese.
しつけ is used for child discipline and upbringing, focusing on teaching manners. 懲戒 is formal punishment in schools or companies. Do not use しつけ for corporate disciplinary action.
His discipline is economics.
This university has many disciplines.
Disciplining children is the parents' responsibility.
毎日の鍛錬が成功につながる。
Daily discipline leads to success.
He secluded himself in the mountains for discipline.