制約する

• Reading: せいやくする
• Romaji: seiyaku suru
• Kanji breakdown: 制 (sei) — control, restrain; 約 (yaku) — promise, bind
• Pronunciation: /seː.ja.kɯ.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To restrict; to constrain; to limit. To impose conditions that restrict freedom of action.

A Group 3 (irregular) する verb meaning to place restrictions or constraints on something. The noun form 制約 (constraint/restriction) is equally common. Used in business, legal, and technical contexts when referring to limitations imposed by rules, budgets, time, or external conditions.

Examples

1. 予算の関係で計画が制約されている。 The plan is constrained by budget considerations.
2. 時間に制約があるので手短にお願いします。 We're under time constraints, so please keep it brief.
3. 法律によって企業の活動が制約される場合もある。 There are cases where laws restrict the activities of businesses.

Usage Guide

Context: business, law, project management

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 制約. 制 (sei) means to control or restrain, and 約 (yaku) means promise or agreement, but here carries the sense of a binding condition. Together they convey the idea of binding restrictions.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal