統制

• Reading: とうせい
• Romaji: tousei
• Kanji breakdown: 統 (tou/suberu) — to govern, to unify; 制 (sei) — control, system, restriction
• Pronunciation: /toː.seː/

Meaning

Regulation; control; coordination; systematic management. Refers to centralised authority exercised over systems, economies, or behaviour.

A noun and suru-verb (統制する) describing top-down, overarching control. Common in historical contexts such as wartime economic controls (統制経済 — controlled economy) and in modern business and political discourse. Distinct from 規制 (individual rule or restriction) in that 統制 implies unified, centralised coordination rather than a single prohibition.

Examples

1. 戦時中、政府は物資の流通を厳しく統制した。 During wartime, the government imposed strict controls on the distribution of goods.
2. 価格統制が解除されると、物価は急上昇した。 When price controls were lifted, prices surged rapidly.
3. 感情を統制する能力は、職場での信頼構築に不可欠だ。 The ability to regulate one's emotions is essential for building trust in the workplace.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, economics, history, management

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 統 (tou) — to unify, to govern — and 制 (sei) — system, restriction, control. The combination conveys unified, systematic management.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Professional/Academic