制する

• Reading: せいする
• Romaji: sei suru
• Kanji breakdown: 制 (sei) — control, restrain, suppress
• Pronunciation: /seː.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To hold back; to rein in; to restrain. Also means to control or dominate a competition or situation.

A Group 3 (irregular) する verb with a literary or formal tone. Used both for physically or emotionally restraining someone and for gaining control over a contest or match. In sports reporting, 制する often means to win or claim victory. The nuance shifts from restraint to dominance depending on context.

Examples

1. 彼は怒りを制して冷静に話し始めた。 He held back his anger and began to speak calmly.
2. 決勝戦を制したのは地元のチームだった。 It was the local team that won the final.
3. 暴れる馬を制するのは簡単ではない。 Reining in a rearing horse is no easy task.

Usage Guide

Context: sports, literature, news

Tone: authoritative

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 制 (control, restrain), which combines 刂 (knife radical) with a character suggesting cutting or trimming — the idea of cutting back excess to maintain order.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Professional