所定

• Reading: しょてい
• Romaji: shotei
• Kanji breakdown: 所 (sho) — place, that which; 定 (tei) — fix, determine
• Pronunciation: /ɕo.teː/

Meaning

Prescribed; designated; appointed; fixed. Referring to something officially decided or established in advance.

A no-adjective used before nouns to indicate something that has been officially determined or prescribed. Very common in bureaucratic, legal, and business Japanese: 所定の手続き (prescribed procedures), 所定の用紙 (designated form), 所定の位置 (designated position). Implies official authority behind the designation.

Examples

1. 所定の用紙に記入してください。 Please fill out the designated form.
2. 荷物は所定の場所に置いてください。 Please place your luggage in the designated area.
3. 所定の手続きを経て許可が下りた。 After going through the prescribed procedures, the permit was granted.

Usage Guide

Context: bureaucracy, business, official documents

Tone: official

Origin & History

From Chinese, combining 所 (place, that which) and 定 (fix, determine). Literally 'that which has been fixed/determined.' The compound emphasises the authoritative, predetermined nature of a rule or arrangement.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal