noun
rule; regulation; provision; decision
Refers to established rules, laws, or decisions that govern behavior or procedures. Often used in formal or institutional contexts.
会社の定めに従って行動してください。
Please act in accordance with the company's rules.
この定めは来月から施行される
This regulation will come into effect next month.
noun
Refers to an inevitable outcome or predetermined course of events, often with a poetic or philosophical nuance. Can imply a sense of resignation or acceptance.
人は誰も定めから逃れられない。
No one can escape their destiny.
彼は自分の定めを受け入れた。
He accepted his fate.
運命 is the common word for 'fate' or 'destiny' in everyday speech. 定め is more literary and can also mean 'rule' or 'provision', which 運命 does not cover.
規則 is the standard word for 'rule' or 'regulation'. 定め is more formal and often implies a fixed, established rule, sometimes with a traditional or institutional weight.
The noun form of the verb 定める (sadameru, 'to decide, establish'). The kanji 定 carries the meaning of 'determine, fix, settle'.