Japanese word

治める

Pronunciation

Romajiosameru

Meaning

  • verbgovern

Example

王は国を治めます。ō wa kuni o osa me ma su

The king governs the country.

Illustration for 治める (govern)

More examples

王は民の声を聞きながら国を治めました。ō wa min no koe o ki ki na ga ra kuni o osa me ma shi ta

The king governed the country while listening to the people.

Core concept

Expresses guiding a country or group into an orderly state through authority and management.

Common phrases

  • 国を治めるkuni o osa me ru

    govern a country

  • 民を治めるmin o osa me ru

    govern the people

  • 領地を治めるryō chi o osa me ru

    govern a territory

Similar words

統治するtōchisuru: To rule a country or group through political authority.
支配するshihaisuru: To control a country or group and make decisions for it.
運営するuneisuru: To manage an organization or public activity so that it functions smoothly.

Definition in Japanese

国や領地などを支配し、秩序を保って運営する。kuni ya ryō chi na do o shi hai shi chitsu jo o tamo tte un ei su ru

Word origin

The native verb 治める (osameru) is the transitive counterpart related to 治む (osamu), "to become orderly" or "to govern," using 治 (ji, "govern and restore order") in its spelling.

Usage tips

  • In Japanese history, 治める (osameru) commonly describes a ruler's authority over a country, while govern can also describe managing institutions or public affairs.

Other meanings

  • ruleverb
  • administerverb

Opposites

Related words

  • 治め方osamekataway of governingnoun

Word lists with this word