Translation guide
The English verb 'regulate' covers a range of meanings from official control and adjustment to biological processes. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression based on the intended meaning.
To officially control an activity, industry, or process through rules, laws, or authorities.
The most common and direct translation for government or institutional regulation. Used for laws, rules, and restrictions.
政府は新しい法律でインターネットを規制する。
The government regulates the internet with new laws.
この業界は厳しく規制されている。
This industry is strictly regulated.
Emphasizes enforcement and policing of rules, often by authorities. Used for cracking down on illegal activities.
警察は違法駐車を取り締まっている。
The police are regulating illegal parking.
Used for strict, often wartime or emergency control over resources, information, or behavior. Implies centralized control.
戦時中は物価が統制されていた。
During the war, prices were regulated.
To adjust a device, mechanism, or process so that it operates correctly or at a desired level.
General term for adjusting or tuning something to achieve proper function. Works for machines, volume, temperature, etc.
エアコンの温度を調整してください。
Please regulate the air conditioner temperature.
機械の速度を自動的に調整する。
It automatically regulates the machine's speed.
Similar to 調整する, but often implies finer or more delicate adjustment, like a dial or valve.
音量を調節する。
Regulate the volume.
To control or maintain a bodily function, such as temperature, heartbeat, or hormone levels.
Commonly used for physiological regulation, like body temperature or blood sugar.
体は体温を自動的に調節する。
The body automatically regulates its temperature.
Used in technical or medical contexts for controlling biological processes, often with feedback mechanisms.
ホルモンが血糖値を制御する。
Hormones regulate blood sugar levels.
To control or moderate one's actions, feelings, or habits.
Means to discipline or regulate oneself, often morally or ethically. Common in self-improvement contexts.
彼は感情を律することができる。
He can regulate his emotions.
To suppress or restrain something, like desires or impulses. Often used for self-control.
食欲を抑制するのは難しい。
It's hard to regulate one's appetite.
Loanword from English, widely used for controlling emotions, behavior, or situations. Casual and common.
怒りをコントロールする方法を学ぶ。
Learn how to regulate anger.
Both mean 'adjust', but 調整する is broader and often used for mechanical or systematic adjustments, while 調節する implies finer tuning or regulation of a continuous variable (like volume or temperature). In biological contexts, 調節する is more common for homeostasis.
規制する is only for official rules and laws. Using it for adjusting a device or controlling emotions would be unnatural. Use 調整する or 抑制する instead.