統治する

• Reading: とうちする
• Romaji: tōchi suru
• Kanji breakdown: 統 (tō) — to unify, govern, control; 治 (chi) — to rule, manage, heal
• Pronunciation: /toː.tɕi.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To govern; to rule; to reign over. Refers to the political control and administration of a territory or people.

A する verb (Group 3). Used for describing political governance — by monarchs, governments, or colonial powers. More formal and political than 治める. Common in historical and political science contexts. Common pattern: 国を統治する (to govern a country).

Examples

1. その王朝は三百年以上にわたって国を統治した。 That dynasty governed the country for more than three hundred years.
2. 植民地を統治するための法律が制定された。 Laws were established to govern the colonies.
3. 民主主義では国民が選んだ代表が統治する。 In a democracy, representatives chosen by the people govern.

Usage Guide

Context: history, politics, government

Tone: authoritative

Origin & History

From Chinese 統治. 統 means 'to unify/govern' and 治 means 'to rule/manage.' Together: to unify and rule, to exercise political control.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated