1.
mechanism; structure; system; how something works
The way parts are arranged or connected to create a functioning whole.
この機械の仕組みを説明してください。
Please explain how this machine works.
社会保障の仕組みは複雑だ。
The social security system is complicated.
成功するための仕組みを作る。
To create a system for success.
2.
scheme; plot; setup
A planned arrangement or stratagem.
FORMATION:
仕 (doing) + 組む (to assemble)
From the idea of how things are put together.
COLLOCATIONS:
- 仕組みを理解する - to understand the mechanism
- 仕組みを作る - to create a system
- 仕組みを変える - to change the system
- 〜という仕組み - a system where ~
- 仕組みがわかる - to understand how it works
SIMILAR WORDS:
- システム - system (loanword)
- 構造 - structure
- 仕掛け - mechanism, device, trick
- メカニズム - mechanism (loanword, more technical)
NUANCE:
仕組み is commonly used when explaining how things work in everyday language.