制度を導入する
introduce a system
Literally: to introduce/bring in (導入する) a system (制度を)
Use this when officially implementing a structured rule or process in a professional or organized setting.
In 15 Seconds
- Implementing a new rule, policy, or organized framework.
- Commonly used in business, government, and school contexts.
- Implies bringing a structured process into an existing group.
Meaning
It means to officially start or implement a new rule, policy, or organized framework within a group, company, or society.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a company meeting about work-life balance
来月からフレックスタイム制度を導入することになりました。
We have decided to introduce a flextime system starting next month.
A city announcing new recycling rules
市は新しいゴミ回収制度を導入しました。
The city introduced a new trash collection system.
Texting a friend about a new habit
家計簿アプリの制度を導入してから、貯金が増えたよ！
Since I introduced a household account book system (app), my savings have grown!
Cultural Background
In Japan, introducing a new system often involves a process called 'Nemawashi,' where stakeholders are consulted privately before the official announcement. This phrase is frequently seen in the 'Nikkei' (Japan's top business newspaper) because Japanese companies are currently obsessed with introducing systems for digital transformation (DX) and work-life balance.
The Software Secret
In Japan, `導入する` is the standard term for 'installing' or 'implementing' enterprise software. If a company starts using Slack, they are 'introducing the Slack system'.
Don't 'Introduce' People
Never use `導入する` for people. If you say you want to 'introduce' your girlfriend using this word, it sounds like you're treating her like a corporate policy or a piece of software!
In 15 Seconds
- Implementing a new rule, policy, or organized framework.
- Commonly used in business, government, and school contexts.
- Implies bringing a structured process into an existing group.
What It Means
Imagine you are at work and the boss says, "Starting Monday, we are using a new app for all our tasks." That is 制度を導入する. It is about bringing in a structured way of doing things that didn't exist before. It is not just a one-time change. It is about setting up a permanent framework. Think of it as "installing" a new set of rules into a community or workplace. It implies a level of formality and organization. It’s a big-picture word for big-picture changes.
How To Use It
You usually pair this phrase with a specific noun that describes the system. For example, you might talk about a リモートワーク制度 (remote work system). You use the particle を to show that the system is the object being introduced. The verb 導入する literally means to "lead in." It suggests that you are bringing something from the outside into your current environment. It sounds professional, but you can use it in daily life too. Just make sure the thing you are introducing is actually a "system" and not just a single object.
When To Use It
This phrase is a superstar in the office. Use it during meetings when discussing new policies. It is also perfect for school announcements or news reports about government laws. If your city starts a new recycling program, they are 制度を導入する. You can even use it at home if you want to sound a bit serious (or funny) about a new family rule. For example, telling your kids you are introducing a "no-sweets-before-dinner" system. It adds a layer of authority to the change.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this phrase to introduce a person. If you are introducing your friend, use 紹介する instead. You also shouldn't use it for simple tools or physical items. You don't "introduce a system" of a hammer; you just use a hammer. It also feels a bit too heavy for very casual, fleeting changes. If you are just trying a new coffee brand, 導入する is way too dramatic. Keep it for things that involve rules, processes, or structured software.
Cultural Background
Japan is a culture that deeply values order and group harmony. Because of this, 制度 (systems) are everywhere. From the incredibly complex train schedules to the specific way trash is sorted, everything has a system. When a new 制度 is introduced, it is often accompanied by detailed manuals and orientation sessions. This phrase reflects the Japanese preference for collective agreement. Everyone needs to understand the new "system" before it can be successfully brought in. It’s about making sure the whole group moves together.
Common Variations
You will often hear the passive form: 制度が導入される (a system is introduced). This is very common in news headlines. Another variation is 制度の導入を検討する, which means "considering the introduction of a system." If you are in the middle of the process, you might say 導入を進めている (we are proceeding with the introduction). If you want to talk about the success of the system, you could say 導入してよかった (I'm glad we introduced it).
Usage Notes
This is a formal to neutral collocation. It is most at home in business, news, and official announcements. Avoid using it for personal introductions or casual, unstructured changes.
The Software Secret
In Japan, `導入する` is the standard term for 'installing' or 'implementing' enterprise software. If a company starts using Slack, they are 'introducing the Slack system'.
Don't 'Introduce' People
Never use `導入する` for people. If you say you want to 'introduce' your girlfriend using this word, it sounds like you're treating her like a corporate policy or a piece of software!
The Manual Obsession
When a system is 'introduced' in Japan, expect a manual. Japanese culture values clear instructions to prevent confusion, so `導入` and `マニュアル` (manual) are best friends.
Examples
6来月からフレックスタイム制度を導入することになりました。
We have decided to introduce a flextime system starting next month.
This is a standard, professional way to announce a company policy change.
市は新しいゴミ回収制度を導入しました。
The city introduced a new trash collection system.
Used here for public policy and municipal changes.
家計簿アプリの制度を導入してから、貯金が増えたよ！
Since I introduced a household account book system (app), my savings have grown!
A slightly humorous, dramatic way to talk about a personal habit as a 'system'.
クラスに新しい掃除の制度を導入します。
I am going to introduce a new cleaning system to the class.
Used to establish order in a classroom setting.
こんなに複雑な制度を導入するなんて、信じられない。
I can't believe they're introducing such a complicated system.
Expressing frustration about a new implementation.
我が家でも「金曜はカレーの日」という制度を導入しよう！
Let's introduce a 'Friday is Curry Day' system in our house!
Uses formal language for a silly domestic rule to create a fun vibe.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence about a new company policy.
会社は新しい評価___を導入することに決めた。
The word `制度` (system) is the natural partner for `導入する` when talking about policies.
Which verb correctly completes the phrase for 'implementing' a software system?
最新のセキュリティシステムを___。
While `紹介する` means to introduce a person/concept, `導入する` is used for implementing systems or software.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of '制度を導入する'
Used jokingly for personal habits or house rules.
Introducing a 'no snacks' system at home.
Standard use in schools or small clubs.
Introducing a new attendance system.
Standard business or government implementation.
Introducing a national tax system.
Where you'll see '制度を導入する'
Corporate Office
Remote work policy
City Hall
New recycling rules
Tech World
New AI software
School
Uniform policy change
Home
Chore rotation system
Frequently Asked Questions
11 questions紹介する is used for introducing people or things to someone's knowledge (like a friend or a book). 導入する is for implementing a system or technology into use.
Not really. It sounds too formal. Instead of saying you 'introduced' a guitar system, just say ギターを始めた (started guitar).
No, it can be for any structured rule. A company's 'no-tie' rule or a school's 'lunch box' rule are both 制度.
You can say 導入を検討しています (dōnyū o kentō shite imasu). This is a very common business phrase.
Yes, but it sounds a bit stiff. It’s often used humorously to make a simple agreement sound like a formal law, like 割り勘制度 (a split-the-bill system).
制度 (seido) means a system, institution, or established rule. It implies something that is organized and has a set structure.
Constantly. Whenever the government talks about new taxes, healthcare, or voting rules, they use 制度を導入する.
Yes, if the machine is part of a larger workflow. For example, 最新の機械を導入する means implementing the latest machinery into a factory line.
The opposite would be 廃止する (haishi suru), which means to abolish or discontinue a system.
Yes, it is a very appropriate and sophisticated phrase for academic or formal writing.
Usually, yes. It implies that the system is being brought into an environment where it wasn't present before.
Related Phrases
仕組みを作る
ルールを決める
システムを構築する
方針を定める
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