司(つかさど)る

つかさどる
verb (godan, transitive)
to govern; to administer; to be in charge of
1. to govern, to administer, to be in charge of, to preside over
To have official authority and responsibility over a particular function, domain, or area. Often used for formal, institutional, or physiological roles.
脳(のう)は身体(しんたい)を司(つかさど)る。
The brain governs the body.
裁判所(さいばんしょ)が司法(しほう)を司(つかさど)る。
The courts administer justice.
この部署(ぶしょ)は会社(かいしゃ)の財務(ざいむ)を司(つかさど)っている。
This department is in charge of the company's finances.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 司法(しほう)を司(つかさど)る (administer justice)
  • 財政(ざいせい)を司(つかさど)る (oversee finances)
  • 運命(うんめい)を司(つかさど)る (govern fate/destiny)
  • 記憶(きおく)を司(つかさど)る (control memory — of a brain region)

USAGE NOTES:
A somewhat literary and formal verb. In everyday conversation, 担当(たんとう)する (be in charge of) is more natural. 司(つかさど)る is preferred in formal writing, scientific descriptions (especially about brain functions and physiology), legal/governmental contexts, and literary or mythological contexts (e.g., a god who governs the seas).

general
Added 2026.2.19 19:55
11500/11958_tsukasadoru