1.
to maintain order, to keep a peaceful and orderly state, to observe the rules or social norms that keep a group or society functioning
A common collocation of 秩序 ('order, orderly arrangement') with 守る ('to protect, to observe, to keep'). Used in contexts of law, public safety, classrooms, lines and queues, international order, and any situation where a shared system of rules needs to be upheld.
秩序を守ろう。
Let's keep order.
Even in times of disaster, it's important for people to act in an orderly way.
A standard collocation for the idea of upholding a stable, rule-governed state, whether in everyday public spaces or in larger social and political arenas.
Usage
- The subject is typically an institution (police, government, school) or a group of people acting collectively; can also be a single person acting with restraint.
- Negated form 秩序を守らない describes disruptive or lawless behavior (cutting in line, rioting, ignoring rules).
- The related opposite action is 秩序を乱す ('to disturb order, to cause disorder').
Common collocations
- 公共の秩序を守る: to maintain public order
- 社会の秩序を守る: to maintain social order
- 法と秩序を守る: to uphold law and order
- 列の秩序を守る: to keep the order of the line / queue
- 秩序を乱す: to disturb order (opposite action)
Similar words
- 規則を守る: to observe the rules — focus on specific regulations, not on overall orderliness.
- ルールを守る: to follow the rules — casual, everyday counterpart using the loanword.
- 治安を守る: to maintain public safety — emphasizes safety and policing more than orderly conduct.
- 秩序を保つ: to preserve / sustain order — very close synonym, slightly more formal; 守る implies active defense, 保つ implies maintenance.
Register
Neutral to formal. Common in news reporting, public signage, civics education, and speeches.