定(さだ)め

さだめ
noun
fate; destiny; rule; regulation; decision
literary
1. fate; destiny; lot in life
An inevitable course of events or situation determined by fate. Often used when accepting something as unavoidable.
これが私(わたし)の定(さだ)めなのだろう。
I suppose this is my fate.
人(ひと)はいつか死(し)ぬのが定(さだ)めだ。
It is the fate of all people to someday die.
運命(うんめい)の定(さだ)めを受(う)け入(い)れて、前(まえ)に進(すす)むしかない。
I have no choice but to accept what fate has decided and move forward.
2. rule; regulation; provision; stipulation
An established rule, law, or regulation that must be followed.
会(かい)の定(さだ)めに従(したが)って決定(けってい)した。
We made the decision according to the rules of the organization.
法(ほう)の定(さだ)めにより届出(とどけで)が必要(ひつよう)だ。
A notification is required by law.
契約(けいやく)の定(さだ)めに違反(いはん)した場合(ばあい)は、罰金(ばっきん)が科(か)される。
If you violate the provisions of the contract, a fine will be imposed.

Etymology

Noun form of 定(さだ)める (to determine, to establish).

USAGE (fate):
Used when accepting something as predetermined or inevitable:

This usage is literary and philosophical.

USAGE (rule):
More formal/written usage for established rules:

  • 法(ほう)の定(さだ)め - provisions of law
  • 会則(かいそく)の定(さだ)め - organizational rules

Common patterns

SIMILAR WORDS (Fate):

SIMILAR WORDS (Rule):

Register

Somewhat literary/formal for the "fate" meaning. More technical for the "rule" meaning.

Related Words

Synonym: 運命(うんめい) (fate, destiny (common))
Synonym: 宿命(しゅくめい) (fate (predetermined))
Compare: 天命(てんめい) (divine will, heaven's decree)
Compare: 因縁(いんねん) (karmic fate)
Compare: 規則(きそく) (rule)
Compare: 規定(きてい) (regulation, provision)
Compare: 決(き)まり (rule, custom)
general
Added 2026.1.19 22:50 · Revised 2026.10.11 22:20
07000/07461_sadame