制御する

• Reading: せいぎょする
• Romaji: seigyo suru
• Kanji breakdown: 制 (sei) — control, restrain; 御 (gyo) — govern, manage
• Pronunciation: /seː.ɡʲo.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To control; to regulate; to govern. Managing the operation of systems or restraining behavior.

A suru-verb combining 制 (control/restrain) and 御 (govern/manage). Used broadly for controlling machinery, systems, and processes, as well as managing emotions or behavior. Common in engineering and technology contexts (制御システム, control system) but also used for self-control (感情を制御する). More technical than コントロール.

Examples

1. このロボットはコンピューターで制御されている。 This robot is controlled by a computer.
2. 怒りの感情を制御するのは簡単ではない。 It's not easy to keep your anger in check.
3. 温度を自動的に制御するシステムを導入した。 We introduced a system that automatically regulates the temperature.

Usage Guide

Context: engineering, technology, psychology, self-improvement

Tone: technical

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 制御. 制 (sei) means to control or restrain, and 御 (gyo) means to govern or manage. Together they express the act of governing or regulating something.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated