Translation guide
The English word "rule" covers a wide range of meanings, from regulations and principles to habits and control. This guide breaks down the most common uses for learners and provides natural Japanese equivalents.
An official instruction that says what you must or must not do.
General term for rules, regulations, or bylaws. Used in schools, companies, and organizations.
学校の規則を守ってください。
Please follow the school rules.
Loanword from English, very common in casual and spoken contexts. Often used for game rules, social rules, or informal regulations.
Formal term for provisions or stipulations, often found in legal documents or official guidelines.
A rule or regulation that has been decided upon, often implying a customary or established rule within a group.
A statement about how things usually happen or how you should behave, often based on experience or logic.
Something that you usually do or that is typical for you.
Pattern meaning 'I make it a rule to ~' or 'I always ~'. Expresses a personal habit or decision.
毎朝ジョギングをすることにしています。
I make it a rule to jog every morning.
To exercise authority or control over a country, group, or situation.
To rule, dominate, or control. Used for political rule, but also for influence or control over a market or situation.
その国は独裁者によって支配されている。
The country is ruled by a dictator.
An official decision made by a judge, court, or person in authority.
A straight line used for measurement or writing, or a guide for behavior.
A line drawn on paper or a surface. Also used metaphorically for a boundary or standard.
Both mean 'rule', but 規則 is more formal and often used for official regulations, while ルール is casual and common for games, sports, and everyday social rules.
While ルール is widely used, it is not appropriate for legal statutes or formal regulations. Use 法律 (law) or 規則 instead.
I'll explain the rules of this game.
We will handle it according to the provisions of the law.
It's the rule here to take off your shoes.
A fundamental principle or general rule. Often used in academic, business, or ethical contexts.
原則として、返品は受け付けていません。
As a general rule, we don't accept returns.
A law or principle in science, nature, or logic. Not used for man-made regulations.
ニュートンの運動の法則
Newton's laws of motion
A rule of thumb derived from experience rather than theory.
それは単なる経験則に過ぎない。
That's just a rule of thumb.
Pattern meaning 'I try to ~ as a rule'. Emphasizes effort to maintain a habit.
毎日野菜を食べるようにしています。
I make it a rule to eat vegetables every day.
Habit or custom. Can be used to describe a personal rule or routine.
彼は寝る前に本を読むのが習慣だ。
It's his rule to read a book before bed.
To govern or rule, often with a connotation of just administration. More formal than 支配する.
国王がこの地域を統治していた。
The king ruled this region.
To rule or govern, often implying peaceful and stable administration. Used in historical or literary contexts.
徳川家康が天下を治めた。
Tokugawa Ieyasu ruled the country.
A court ruling or judicial decision.
裁判所は被告に有利な判決を下した。
The court ruled in favor of the defendant.
An arbitration ruling or decision, often in business or sports disputes.
仲裁人が最終裁定を下した。
The arbitrator made a final ruling.
To rule that ~; to judge that ~. Used in formal contexts when an authority makes a decision.
委員会はその計画は不適切だと判断した。
The committee ruled that the plan was inappropriate.
定規を使ってまっすぐな線を引いてください。
Draw a straight line using a ruler.
A ruler (measuring tool). Note: this is the tool, not the abstract concept.
30センチの定規を買った。
I bought a 30cm ruler.
A ruler or measuring stick. Also used figuratively to mean a standard or criterion.
昔の人は竹の物差しを使っていた。
People in the past used bamboo rulers.