支配

• Reading: しはい
• Romaji: shihai
• Kanji breakdown: 支 (shi) — support, branch; 配 (hai) — distribute, arrange
• Pronunciation: /ɕi.ha.i/

Meaning

Rule; control; domination. Exercising authority or power over something.

A する verb (支配する — to rule/control). Used for political rule (国を支配する), emotional control (恐怖に支配される — to be gripped by fear), and market dominance. 支配者 means ruler or controller. Can describe both legitimate authority and oppressive domination.

Examples

1. その国は長い間、他国に支配されていた。 That country was ruled by another nation for a long time.
2. 不安に支配されて何もできなかった。 I was so consumed by anxiety that I couldn't do anything.
3. 彼はチーム全体を支配するような存在だ。 He has a commanding presence that dominates the entire team.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, history, psychology

Tone: serious

Origin & History

Compound of 支 (shi, to support/branch) and 配 (hai, to distribute/arrange). Originally meant distributing authority across branches — managing and controlling through organization.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal