noun, noun, used as a suffix
system; regime; institutional arrangement; regulation
Common as a suffix meaning an established system, form of organization, rule structure, or legal/regulatory framework. Often attaches to another noun or Sino-Japanese element, as in 予約制, 二院制, 王制, and 税制.
このレストランは完全予約制です。
This restaurant is strictly by reservation.
日本の国会は二院制を採用している
Japan's Diet uses a two-chamber system.
来年から新しい税制が始まる。
A new tax system will begin next year.
noun, noun, used as a suffix
control; restraint; suppression; holding back
Mostly a bound kanji morpheme in compounds connected with controlling, restraining, checking, or regulating something, such as 自制, 抑制, 規制, and 制圧. It is not usually used as a free everyday noun by itself in this sense.
「自制」や「抑制」の制は、物事をおさえる意味を表す。
The 制 in 自制 and 抑制 expresses the idea of holding something in check.
noun, noun, used as a suffix
Rare, classical or kanbun-style use referring to an imperial command or authoritative decree. In modern Japanese, this meaning is mainly of historical or textual interest rather than a normal standalone word.
古い漢文調の文章では、制が天子の命令を指すことがある。
In old kanbun-style writing, 制 can refer to an emperor's command.