定(さだ)め

さだめ
noun
fate; destiny; rule; regulation; decision
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.
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.

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

TWO MAIN MEANINGS:

1. FATE/DESTINY:

Used when accepting something as predetermined or inevitable:

  • 運命(うんめい)の定(さだ)め - fate's decree
  • 人(ひと)の定(さだ)め - human destiny
  • 死(し)は定(さだ)め - death is certain

This usage is literary and philosophical.

2. RULE/REGULATION:

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:

  • 〜は定(さだ)めだ - ~ is fate/inevitable
  • 定(さだ)めに従(したが)う - to follow the rules/fate
  • 定(さだ)めを受(う)け入(い)れる - to accept one's fate
  • 定(さだ)めを変(か)える - to change one's fate

SIMILAR WORDS (Fate):

  • 運命(うんめい) - fate, destiny (common)
  • 宿命(しゅくめい) - fate, destiny (emphasizes being predetermined)
  • 天命(てんめい) - divine will, heaven's decree
  • 因縁(いんねん) - karmic fate

SIMILAR WORDS (Rule):

  • 規則(きそく) - rule (common)
  • 規定(きてい) - regulation, provision
  • 決(き)まり - rule, custom

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

general
Added 2026.1.19 22:50
07000/07461_sadame