Translation guide
The English verb 'govern' covers ruling a country, controlling an organization, and determining how something works. Japanese uses different words depending on what is being governed and the nature of the control.
To exercise political authority over a nation, state, or population.
The standard term for governing a country or territory, implying sovereign rule.
その国は王によって統治されている。
The country is governed by a king.
To govern or rule, often with a nuance of maintaining peace and order. Used for historical or traditional rule.
徳川家康は江戸時代に日本を治めた。
Tokugawa Ieyasu governed Japan during the Edo period.
To dominate or control, often with a negative connotation of oppressive rule. Can also mean to control a market or situation.
独裁者が国民を支配している。
A dictator governs the people.
To exercise authority over an institution, company, or set of rules.
To manage or run an organization, emphasizing day-to-day operations.
その学校は理事会によって運営されている。
The school is governed by a board of trustees.
To administer or manage, often used for systems, resources, or rules.
この規則は厳格に管理されている。
These rules are strictly governed.
To regulate or control through rules, often used in legal or technical contexts.
この業界は政府によって規制されている。
This industry is governed by the government.
To be the main factor that decides an outcome or behavior.
To influence or determine, often used for factors that sway decisions or results.
天候が試合の結果を左右する。
The weather governs the outcome of the match.
To decisively determine or define, emphasizing a strong causal link.
幼少期の経験が人格を決定づける。
Childhood experiences govern personality.
To dominate or control, used metaphorically for abstract forces.
感情が理性を支配することがある。
Emotions can govern reason.
In grammar, a word that determines the case or mood of another word.
Used in linguistics to say a verb governs a case. The pattern is '[word] は [case] を支配する'.
この動詞は対格を支配する。
This verb governs the accusative case.
統治する is the neutral, modern term for governing a state. 治める implies benevolent or traditional rule, often historical. 支配する can sound oppressive or dominating, so use with care.
民主主義国では国民が統治する。
In a democracy, the people govern.
天皇は古来日本を治めてきた。
The emperor has governed Japan since ancient times.
軍事政権が国を支配している。
A military regime governs the country.
支配する often carries a nuance of domination or control against resistance. For neutral governance, prefer 統治する or 運営する.