規律
kiritsu[kʲiɾʲit͡sɨ]
The English word "discipline" can be translated into Japanese as 規律 (kiritsu).
規律 refers to controlled behaviour or discipline within a social, organizational or institutional context. It is commonly used when discussing the rules and order of a school, the military or society at large.
Meaning: controlled behaviour, self-control (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the kanji 規, meaning rule or standard and 律, meaning law or rhythm.
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between following external rules and internal willpower.
How do you pronounce it?
kiritsu
Did you know?
- If you want to describe the discipline required for martial arts or intense training, the word 鍛錬 (tanren) is used, which literally means 'forging or tempering' like metal.
- In Japanese schools, 規律 is often maintained through 'cleaning time' 掃除の時間, where students discipline themselves by scrubbing floors and hallways together.
- The character 規 originally referred to a 'compass' used for drawing circles, suggesting that discipline is about staying within a defined boundary.
Examples in context
- 規律のおかげでその若者たちに変化が生まれている。Thanks to the discipline they are receiving, we are starting to see a change in those young people.This sentence is useful for showing how receiving 規律 can lead to positive changes in young people.Tatoeba #5373610 by yamashin, translation #10128248 by tsp_2
- 学校生活には規律が必要です。Gakko seikatsu ni wa kiritsu ga hitsuyo desu.Discipline is necessary for school life.
- 彼は規律正しい生活を送っています。Kare wa kiritsu tadashii seikatsu o okutte imasu.He lives a disciplined life.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are talking about their training program.
- 蓮 Renこのトレーニングには厳しい規律があります。Kono toreeningu ni wa kibishii kiritsu ga arimasu.This training has strict discipline.
- 美咲 Misaki蓮さんはそれが得意ですか？Ren-san wa sore ga tokui desu ka?Are you good at that, Ren?
- 蓮 Renはい、規律を守るのは好きです。Hai, kiritsu o mamoru no wa suki desu.Yes, I like following discipline.
- 美咲 Misaki美咲も頑張ります。Misaki mo ganbarimasu.Misaki will do her best too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “discipline” translations and entries 規律, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
