Translation guide
The English word 'rules' can refer to regulations, principles, or guidelines. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is ルール (rūru), a loanword from English, but native terms like 規則 (kisoku) and 決まり (kimari) are also used depending on context. This guide helps learners choose the right expression for different situations.
Referring to rules in a broad sense, such as in games, organizations, or society.
The most common and versatile word for 'rules', especially in casual contexts, games, sports, and everyday situations. It's a loanword from English and widely understood.
このゲームのルールを説明します。
I'll explain the rules of this game.
ルールを守ってください。
Please follow the rules.
More formal than ルール, often used for established regulations in schools, companies, or official settings. It implies a set of prescribed rules.
学校の規則に従ってください。
Please follow the school rules.
新しい規則が導入された。
New rules have been introduced.
Refers to rules or conventions that are decided upon, often within a group or community. It can also mean 'custom' or 'agreement'. Less formal than 規則.
うちのクラスにはいろいろな決まりがある。
Our class has various rules.
それは決まりだから、仕方ない。
It's the rule, so there's no helping it.
Referring to fundamental principles, laws of nature, or legal rules.
Used for scientific laws, mathematical rules, or natural principles. Not for everyday social rules.
ニュートンの運動の法則
Newton's laws of motion
需要と供給の法則
the law of supply and demand
Specifically refers to laws enacted by a government. Use this for legal rules, not for game rules or school regulations.
Referring to a document or list of rules, such as a rulebook or terms and conditions.
A loanword meaning 'rulebook'. Commonly used for board games, sports, etc.
ルールブックを読んでください。
Please read the rulebook.
Refers to official rules or stipulations, often in a document. Common in legal, corporate, or organizational contexts.
Referring to the exercise of authority or control, as in 'the rules of a monarch'.
Means 'rule' in the sense of domination or control. Used for political rule, not for game rules.
その国は独裁者の支配下にある。
The country is under the rule of a dictator.
Refers to governance or administration. More formal and often used in historical or political contexts.
ルール is the most common and casual, suitable for games, sports, and everyday situations. 規則 is formal and often used for institutional rules (school, company). 決まり implies a rule that has been decided upon by a group and can carry a nuance of 'custom' or 'agreement'.
サッカーのルールは簡単だ。
The rules of soccer are simple.
会社の規則で禁煙です。
Smoking is prohibited by company rules.
これは私たちの決まりです。
This is our rule.
While ルール is versatile, it is not used for scientific or mathematical laws. Use 法則 (ほうそく) instead. Saying ニュートンのルール would sound odd.
ニュートンの運動の法則
Newton's laws of motion
法律を破ると罰せられる。
If you break the law, you'll be punished.
Agree to the terms of use.
British rule in India