Translation guide
The English word 'setting' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: the place or environment where something happens, the position of a control or adjustment, the background or context for a story, and the arrangement of tableware for a meal.
The physical or social environment where an event takes place.
General word for 'place' or 'location'. Often used when talking about where something happens.
The setting for the meeting hasn't been decided yet.
Refers to the overall environment or surroundings, often with a nuance of atmosphere or conditions.
This restaurant has a romantic setting.
Literally 'stage', used metaphorically for the setting of a story or event, especially in literary or dramatic contexts.
The setting of the novel is 19th-century London.
A particular position of a control, such as on a device or machine.
The standard word for 'setting' in the sense of a configuration or adjustment, especially for devices, software, or systems.
Please change the temperature setting.
Refers to adjustment or regulation, often used for physical controls like volume or brightness.
Specifically refers to a scale or graduation on a dial, like the markings on a stove knob.
The time, place, and circumstances in which a story, film, or play takes place.
Used for the setting of a story, game, or movie, referring to the fictional world and its rules.
The setting of this game is a future space.
Literally 'background', used for the historical or social backdrop of a story.
As above, 'stage', used for the setting of a narrative, especially in literature or drama.
The arrangement of plates, glasses, cutlery, etc. for one person at a meal.
設定 (settei) is for digital or system settings (configuration), while 調節 (chousetsu) is for physical adjustments like volume or temperature knobs. Use 設定 for software, 調節 for hardware controls.
Although セッティング is a loanword, it is not used for device or software settings. Use 設定 instead. セッティング is mainly for arranging things like tables or events.
Check the printer settings.
音量の調節ができます。
You can adjust the volume setting.
オーブンの目盛りを200度に合わせる。
Set the oven setting to 200 degrees.
物語の背景は戦国時代です。
The setting of the story is the Warring States period.
映画の舞台は小さな村です。
The setting of the movie is a small village.
Help me with the table setting.