支配

しはい

rule, control, direction

JLPT N3

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"支配" (しはい) means to rule, control, or dominate something or someone. It often implies authority or power over a group, area, or system.

Common Contexts

This word is frequently used in business, politics, and social contexts where control or governance is involved. For example, a company may "支配" a market, or a government may "支配" a country.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 支配する: to control or rule
  • 支配下に置く: to place under control
  • 支配力: controlling power

Register and Nuance

"支配" is a formal word often used in written language or formal speech. It can carry a strong or even negative nuance when referring to strict or oppressive control.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse "支配" with "管理" (management) or "統制" (regulation). "支配" emphasizes authority and dominance, while "管理" is more about administration and "統制" about regulation or coordination.

Example Sentences

そのかいしゃはしじょうをかんぜんにしはいしている。

That company completely controls the market.

かれはきびしいしはいのもとではたらいている。

He works under strict control.

せいじかがくにをしはいすることはせきにんがおもい。

It is a heavy responsibility for politicians to rule a country.