Translation guide
The English word "system" covers a wide range of meanings, from organized methods and structures to mechanical or electronic setups. This guide helps learners choose the most natural Japanese expression based on the intended meaning.
Refers to a structured approach, procedure, or set of rules for accomplishing something.
The most common and versatile loanword for 'system' in modern Japanese. Used for both abstract and concrete systems, especially in business, IT, and everyday contexts.
We introduced a new reservation system.
Refers to an institutional or social system, such as a legal, political, or educational framework. Emphasizes the established rules and structure.
A systematic body of knowledge, theory, or philosophy. Often used in academic or intellectual contexts.
A method, formula, or specific way of doing something. Often used for technical or procedural systems.
The inner workings or mechanism of a system. Can be used for both physical and abstract systems, emphasizing how things are put together.
Refers to hardware, software, or a combination of both that performs specific functions.
The standard term for computer systems, operating systems, and IT infrastructure.
Refers to a biological system, such as the nervous system or digestive system.
Used in medical and biological terms to denote a bodily system. Always part of a compound word.
Refers to a network or infrastructure, such as a transportation system or communication system.
Refers to the established social, political, or economic structure, often with a critical or analytical tone.
システム is the most versatile and can replace many English uses of 'system'. 制度 is specifically for institutional frameworks (legal, educational). 体系 is for systematic bodies of knowledge or theory. Use システム when unsure, but prefer 制度 for social institutions and 体系 for academic systems.
The system is down.
日本の教育制度は複雑です。
Japan's education system is complex.
彼は独自の哲学体系を築いた。
He built his own philosophical system.
この工場では新しい生産方式を採用している。
This factory has adopted a new production system.
この会社の人事評価の仕組みを教えてください。
Please explain the personnel evaluation system of this company.
The system went down.
Used in technical compound words to denote a system, such as in 'control system' or 'solar system'. Rarely used alone.
design of a control system
神経系の病気
a disease of the nervous system
Also used in medical contexts, especially in loanword-heavy fields, but less common than 系 for traditional biological terms.
immune system
Widely used for infrastructure and network systems.
Improvement of the transportation system is necessary.
Literally 'net' or 'network', used for systems like railway networks or communication networks. Emphasizes the interconnectedness.
The railway system is well-developed.
Refers to a regime, establishment, or the existing order. Often used in political or social contexts.
We live under a capitalist system.
Also used for social or political systems, especially when emphasizing the structural aspect.
I am dissatisfied with the current political system.
theoretical system
組織 (そしき) means 'organization' and is not a direct translation for 'system'. Use it only when referring to an organized group of people, not a method or structure.
We need a better system.