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.
The government regulates the internet with new laws.
This industry is strictly regulated.
Emphasizes enforcement and policing of rules, often by authorities. Used for cracking down on illegal activities.
The police are regulating illegal parking.
Used for strict, often wartime or emergency control over resources, information, or behavior. Implies centralized control.
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.
Please regulate the air conditioner temperature.
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.
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.
The body automatically regulates its temperature.
Used in technical or medical contexts for controlling biological processes, often with feedback mechanisms.
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.
He can regulate his emotions.
To suppress or restrain something, like desires or impulses. Often used for self-control.
It's hard to regulate one's appetite.
Loanword from English, widely used for controlling emotions, behavior, or situations. Casual and common.
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.