1.
to establish, to set up, to create
To create or put in place a system, facility, rule, or opportunity. Often used for formal or institutional arrangements.
新しいルールを設けた。
A new rule was established.
会社は相談窓口を設けた。
The company set up a consultation desk.
制限時間を設けないと、会議が長引く。
If you don't set a time limit, the meeting will drag on.
2.
to prepare, to arrange
To make preparations, such as setting up a seat for someone or preparing an occasion. More formal than simple preparation words.
来客のために席を設けた。
I prepared a seat for the guest.
話し合いの場を設けましょう。
Let's arrange an opportunity to talk.
歓迎会の席を設けて、新しいメンバーを迎えた。
We arranged a welcome party and received the new members.
USAGE:
設ける is an ichidan verb. It is used in formal and semi-formal contexts for creating systems, rules, or occasions. It is distinct from the homophone 儲ける (to earn a profit), which uses a different kanji.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 規則を設ける: to establish rules
- 制限を設ける: to set limits
- 機会を設ける: to create an opportunity
- 場を設ける: to arrange a venue/occasion
- 窓口を設ける: to set up a service desk
CAUTION:
Do not confuse with 儲ける (to profit, to make money). The kanji are different: 設ける uses 設 (establish), while 儲ける uses 儲 (profit).