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.
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.
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.
An official decision made by a judge, court, or person in authority.
A court ruling or judicial decision.
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.
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.
As a general rule, we don't accept returns.
A law or principle in science, nature, or logic. Not used for man-made regulations.
Newton's laws of motion
A rule of thumb derived from experience rather than theory.
That's just a rule of thumb.
I make it a rule to jog every morning.
Pattern meaning 'I try to ~ as a rule'. Emphasizes effort to maintain a habit.
I make it a rule to eat vegetables every day.
Habit or custom. Can be used to describe a personal rule or routine.
It's his rule to read a book before bed.
The country is ruled by a dictator.
To govern or rule, often with a connotation of just administration. More formal than 支配する.
The king ruled this region.
To rule or govern, often implying peaceful and stable administration. Used in historical or literary contexts.
Tokugawa Ieyasu ruled the country.
The court ruled in favor of the defendant.
An arbitration ruling or decision, often in business or sports disputes.
The arbitrator made a final ruling.
To rule that ~; to judge that ~. Used in formal contexts when an authority makes a decision.
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.
I bought a 30cm ruler.
A ruler or measuring stick. Also used figuratively to mean a standard or criterion.
People in the past used bamboo rulers.
game 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.