セット
setto[se̞t̚to̞]
In Japanese, 'set' (referring to a collection of objects) can be expressed as セット (setto), 一式 or 一揃い.
Meaning: collection of various objects for a particular purpose, such as a set of tools (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| セット | setto | [se̞t̚to̞] (narrow) |
| 一式 | isshiki | [iɕːikʲi] (narrow) |
| 一揃い | hitosoroi | [çi̥to̞so̞ɾo̞i] (narrow) |
The primary way to refer to a collection of various objects for a particular purpose is through the terms provided. The loanword セット is the most common and versatile way to refer to a set of items in modern Japanese.
Which one should you use?
While セット is a versatile loanword from English, other forms are more specific. 一式 is used for a complete set or a full suite of items intended to be used together as a single unit, such as a set of tools or documents. 一揃い is used when emphasizing that the items in the set match or constitute a complete collection of a specific type, such as a set of tableware.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
setto
Did you know?
- In many Japanese restaurants, a 'set' meal is called a セットメニュー (setto menyū) or simply セット, but if it is a traditional meal with many small dishes, it is often called 定食 (teishoku) instead.
- The word 揃い (soroi) inside 一揃い shares a root with the concept of 'uniforms', as 揃える means to make things match or align.
- When referring to a 'set' in tennis, Japanese speakers use セット, but for a 'set' in a play or movie, they use the word 舞台 (butai) or セット.
Examples in context
- 目覚ましはセットした？Have you set the alarm clock?This sentence shows the use of セット in the context of an alarm clock.Tatoeba #12934034 by small_snow, translation #8910384 by sundown
- チェスセットが欲しいな。I want a chess set.This sentence demonstrates how to use セット when talking about a chess set.Tatoeba #8720702 by small_snow, translation #3022560 by sharptoothed
- 目覚ましセットするの忘れた。I forgot to set my alarm.This sentence illustrates using セット as a verb for setting an alarm.Tatoeba #11065713 by small_snow, translation #9504564 by sundown
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui and Kenta are at a craft store looking at art supplies.
- 結衣 Yuiこの絵の具のセット、すごく便利そうだよ。Kono enogu no setto, sugoku benrisō da yo.This paint set looks really convenient.
- 健太 Kenta本当だね。色もたくさん入っているよ。Hontō da ne. Iro mo takusan haitte iru yo.You're right. It has a lot of colors too.
- 結衣 Yui健太くん、これ買おうかな？Kenta-kun, kore kaō kana?Kenta, should I buy this?
- 健太 Kentaいいと思うよ。きっと役に立つよ。Ii to omou yo. Kitto yaku ni tatsu yo.I think it's a good idea. It will definitely be useful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “set” translations and entries セット, 一式, 一揃い, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
