定める

• Reading: さだめる
• Romaji: sadameru
• Kanji breakdown: 定 (tei/sada) — fix, determine, settle
• Pronunciation: /sa.da.me.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To decide; to determine; to establish. Used for setting rules, standards, or making definitive decisions.

A Group 2 (ichidan) transitive verb, the active counterpart of 定まる (to become settled). Frequently appears in legal, business, and official contexts for establishing rules, laws, or standards. Also used more broadly for making firm decisions about goals or plans.

Examples

1. 会社は新しい規則を定めた。 The company established new rules.
2. 法律で基準を定める必要がある。 It is necessary to establish standards by law.
3. 目標を定めてから行動に移した。 I moved into action after setting my goals.

Usage Guide

Context: legal, business, official documents

Tone: authoritative

Origin & History

From the kanji 定 (fix, settle). The transitive form さだめる has been used since Classical Japanese for the act of establishing order and making authoritative decisions.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Professional