Japanese word

仕組み

Pronunciation

Romajishikumi

Meaning

  • nounsystem, how something works

Example

この仕組みは簡単です。ko no shi ku mi wa kan tan de su

This system is simple.

Illustration for 仕組み (system)

More examples

このおもちゃの仕組みが分かります。ko no o mo cha no shi ku mi ga wa ka ri ma su

I understand how this toy works.

このサービスの仕組みを図で説明します。ko no sā bi su no shi ku mi o zu de setsu mei shi ma su

I will explain how this service works with a diagram.

Core concept

Refers to the connected parts, rules, and processes that allow something to work.

Common phrases

  • 仕組みを理解するshi ku mi o ri kai su ru

    understand the system

  • 仕組みが分かるshi ku mi ga wa ka ru

    understand how it works

  • 仕組みを説明するshi ku mi o setsu mei su ru

    explain the system

Similar words

システムshisutemu: An organized set of parts or processes that works together for a purpose.
仕掛けshikake: A device or arrangement that creates a particular action or effect.
メカニズムmekanizumu: The way a process works, especially when its details are being examined.

Definition in Japanese

物事を成り立たせ、機能させるための組み立てや手順。mono goto o na ri ta ta se ki nō sa se ru ta me no ku mi ta te ya te jun

Word origin

仕組み (shikumi) comes from 仕組む (shikumu, "to arrange") and the noun-forming suffix み (mi), giving the sense of an arranged way of working.

Usage tips

  • The noun 仕組み (shikumi) applies to both physical mechanisms and abstract processes, such as how a reward program operates.

Other meanings

  • mechanismnoun
  • workingsnoun

Word lists with this word