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選定する

B1 verb #3,500 most common 8 min read

選定する

sentei suru Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 選定する in 30 Seconds

Explanation 選定する in your Level:

At the A1 level, you usually learn the word 'erabu' (選ぶ) to say 'choose'. You don't need to use 'sentei suru' yet, but you might see it in very formal signs or documents. Think of it as a 'super formal' version of choosing. If you see this word, just remember it means 'to pick something important'. For example, a school might 'sentei' (select) a new uniform. At this level, focus on the first kanji '選', which also appears in 'erabu'. You won't hear this in daily conversation with friends. It's like the difference between saying 'I picked a red shirt' and 'The committee selected the official garment'. Keep your focus on 'erabu' for now, but recognize 'sentei' as a business-related word.

At the A2 level, you are starting to learn about 'suru-verbs' and formal Japanese. 'Sentei suru' is a verb you might encounter if you read news for students or work in an office. It means 'to select' for a specific reason. You use it when the choice is not just about what you like, but what is 'correct' or 'best' for a goal. For example, 'selecting a textbook' (kyoukasho o sentei suru). Notice that it sounds more professional than 'erabu'. When you want to sound polite in a job interview or a formal letter, knowing words like 'sentei suru' helps you sound more mature. Remember the structure: [Thing] + を + 選定する.

At the B1 level, you should begin actively using 'sentei suru' in appropriate contexts, particularly in business or academic writing. This level requires you to distinguish between 'sentaku' (choosing options) and 'sentei' (selecting the best fit based on criteria). If you are writing a report about why you chose a certain software or vendor, 'sentei suru' is the correct term. It implies that you had a 'Selection Criteria' (選定基準 - sentei kijun). You should also be comfortable with the passive form 'sentei sareru' (to be selected), which is common in official announcements. For example, 'The city was selected as the venue' (toshi ga kaijou to shite sentei sareta). This word is a key part of the N3/N2 vocabulary transition.

At the B2 level, you need to understand the nuances of 'sentei suru' compared to 'saitaku' (adoption) and 'senshutsu' (election). You should use 'sentei suru' when discussing strategic decisions, technical selections, or official designations. You will encounter this word in legal documents, technical manuals, and high-level business negotiations. At this stage, you should also be familiar with compound nouns like '選定理由' (reason for selection) and '選定過程' (selection process). You are expected to use it naturally in professional discussions without overusing it in casual settings. Your ability to use 'sentei suru' correctly shows that you understand the 'business register' of Japanese.

At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced command of 'sentei suru' and be able to explain the methodology behind a selection using this term. You will see it in academic papers regarding 'sample selection' or 'methodology selection'. You should also be aware of its usage in government white papers and historical contexts (e.g., selecting national treasures). You can use it to articulate complex decision-making processes, emphasizing the objectivity and rigor of the selection. You should also recognize its use in literary or highly formal contexts where a specific individual is 'selected' for a destiny or a high honor, though '選定' remains primarily functional and administrative in tone.

At the C2 level, 'sentei suru' is a tool for precision in professional and academic discourse. You understand its precise boundaries—where it overlaps with 'kentei' (certification/official approval) or 'shitei' (designation). You can critically analyze 'selection processes' (選定プロセス) in corporate governance or public policy. You use the word with perfect register awareness, knowing exactly when to switch to 'sen'ei' (picking the elite) or 'chuushutsu' (sampling) for maximum technical accuracy. Your usage reflects a deep understanding of the administrative and bureaucratic nuances of the Japanese language, allowing you to navigate the most formal environments with ease.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

選定する in 30 Seconds

A formal verb meaning 'to select' based on criteria.
Commonly used in business, government, and academic contexts.
Implies a deliberate and official decision-making process.
Focuses on picking the 'best fit' for a specific role or function.

The Japanese verb 選定する (sentei suru) is a formal and precise term used to describe the act of selecting or choosing something or someone from a larger pool, typically based on a rigorous set of criteria or a specific purpose. While the common verb 選ぶ (erabu) can be used for anything from choosing a flavor of ice cream to picking a spouse, 選定する is reserved for more official, professional, or technical contexts where the 'selection' is the result of a deliberate decision-making process.

Etymology and Nuance: The kanji 選 means to choose or select, and 定 means to fix, decide, or establish. Together, they imply not just picking something, but 'fixing' a choice through a formal determination.

In a business setting, you would use this word when a company is selecting a vendor for a long-term contract, or when a committee is selecting a site for a new facility. It suggests that there were multiple candidates, and after careful evaluation (審査 - shinsa) or comparison (比較 - hikaku), one was officially designated.

委員会は、新しいロゴのデザインを慎重に選定する必要がある。(The committee needs to carefully select the new logo design.)

This word is ubiquitous in project management, academic research, and government procurement. You will often see it in documents regarding 'Vendor Selection' (業者選定 - gyousha sentei) or 'Site Selection' (用地選定 - youchi sentei). Furthermore, 選定する carries a sense of responsibility; the person or entity doing the selecting is often accountable for the outcome of that choice. This is why it is used in phrases like 'selecting the best personnel' (最適な人材を選定する).

プロジェクトの成功は、適切なパートナーを選定することにかかっています。(The success of the project depends on selecting the appropriate partner.)

Grammatical Category: It is a Suru-verb (Group 3), meaning it follows the standard conjugation patterns for 'suru'.

In summary, use this word when you want to emphasize that a selection was made with gravity, criteria, and official purpose. It transforms a simple 'choice' into a 'strategic selection'.

候補者の中から、最も優秀な三名を選定した。(We selected the three most excellent candidates from among the applicants.)

Comparison with Sentei (Selection): While 'Sentei' is the noun form, adding 'suru' makes it an active process of evaluation and finalization.

政府は次世代エネルギーの基準を選定する方針だ。(The government plans to select standards for next-generation energy.)

教科書を選定する際には、内容の正確さが重要です。(When selecting textbooks, the accuracy of the content is important.)

Using 選定する (sentei suru) correctly involves understanding its grammatical structure and the types of objects it typically takes. Since it is a transitive verb, it usually follows the pattern [Object] を選定する. The object is almost always something that requires a formal decision: a person, a company, a location, a tool, or a set of standards.

Standard Pattern: [Subject] は [Criteria] に基づいて [Object] を選定する。

This structure highlights that the selection is based on criteria (基づいて - motozuite). For example, 'The company selects software based on security' becomes '会社はセキュリティに基づいてソフトウェアを選定する'.

このプロジェクトのために、最適なツールを選定してください。(Please select the most suitable tools for this project.)

In more complex sentences, you might see 選定する used in its passive form, 選定される (sentei sareru), which is extremely common in news and corporate announcements.

彼は今年の優秀社員として選定されました。(He was selected as this year's outstanding employee.)

You can also use the noun 選定 (sentei) combined with other nouns to create compound terms. For instance, 選定基準 (sentei kijun) means 'selection criteria' and 選定理由 (sentei riyuu) means 'reason for selection'.

Common Collocations: 1. 業者を選定する (Select a vendor)
2. 候補を選定する (Select candidates)
3. 用地を選定する (Select a site/land)

新しい工場の用地を選定する作業が進んでいます。(The work of selecting the site for the new factory is progressing.)

Another nuance is the 'scope' of selection. 選定する often implies narrowing down from a large list to a specific few. This is why it's used in scientific research for 'selecting subjects' or 'selecting samples'.

研究チームは、実験に使用するデータを慎重に選定した。(The research team carefully selected the data to be used in the experiment.)

Formal Documents: In Request for Proposals (RFP), you will see '選定プロセス' (selection process) described in detail.

公正な手続きを経て、委託先を選定します。(We will select the contractor through a fair procedure.)

専門家のアドバイスを受けて、投資先を選定した。(I selected the investment target after receiving advice from experts.)

You are most likely to encounter 選定する (sentei suru) in environments where formal systems and procedures are in place. In the Japanese corporate world, 'sentei' is a keyword in procurement and human resources. During a board meeting or a project kick-off, a manager might say, 'We are in the process of selecting the software' (現在、ソフトウェアを選定中です). This sounds much more professional than using 'erabu'.

The Business Context: In Japanese companies, the 'Vendor Selection Committee' (業者選定委員会) is a common entity. Hearing this word signals that a formal evaluation is happening.

Another common place is in the news. When the government decides on a city to host a national event, or when a new historical site is designated as a national treasure, the media uses 選定する. It conveys that the decision wasn't random but followed legal or administrative guidelines.

文部科学省は、新しい重要文化財を選定したと発表しました。(The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology announced that they have selected new Important Cultural Properties.)

In academic settings, professors use it when talking about 'selecting research subjects' or 'selecting appropriate methodologies'. If you are a student in Japan, you will hear your advisor say, 'You need to select your thesis topic carefully' (論文のテーマを慎重に選定しなさい).

この研究では、特定の年齢層の被験者を選定しました。(In this study, we selected subjects from a specific age group.)

Public Infrastructure: When a new highway route or a train station location is decided, the term 'Route Selection' (ルート選定) is used in public hearings.

You might also hear it in high-end retail or consulting. A consultant might 'select' the best strategies for a client. In these cases, it adds a layer of expertise to the choice. It isn't just an opinion; it's a professional selection.

顧客のニーズに合わせて、最適なプランを選定します。(We will select the most suitable plan according to the customer's needs.)

本日は、新しいリーダーを選定するための会議を行います。(Today, we will hold a meeting to select a new leader.)

審査員は、厳しい基準で受賞者を選定した。(The judges selected the winner based on strict criteria.)

The most frequent mistake learners make with 選定する (sentei suru) is using it for casual, everyday choices. Because 'sentei suru' translates to 'select' or 'choose', it’s tempting to use it whenever you pick something. However, using it for trivial things sounds incredibly strange and overly stiff (vaguely robotic).

Mistake 1: Casual Items: Incorrect: 今日のランチにカレーを選定した。(I selected curry for today's lunch.)
Correct: 今日のランチはカレーにした / カレーを選んだ。

Selecting a lunch menu is a personal preference, not a formal process involving criteria and official designation.

Mistake 2: Confusing with 選択 (sentaku): While similar, 選択する (sentaku suru) is 'choosing an option' from a set (like A, B, or C), whereas 選定する is 'picking out' the most suitable candidate/item from a group.

For example, on a website, you 'sentaku' (select) a checkbox. You don't 'sentei' a checkbox.

間違い: このボタンを選定してください。(Incorrect: Please 'sentei' this button.)
正解: このボタンを選択してください。(Correct: Please 'sentaku' [select] this button.)

Mistake 3: Personal Relationships: Avoid using this for friends or romantic partners. It sounds cold and clinical.
Incorrect: 彼女を結婚相手として選定した。(I selected her as my marriage partner.)

This makes the partner sound like a vendor or a piece of equipment. Use 'erabu' (選ぶ) instead.

正しい言い方: 彼女を結婚相手に選んだ。(I chose her as my partner.)

間違い: どの服を着るか選定した。(Incorrect: I 'sentei-ed' which clothes to wear.)

正しい: どの服を着るか選んだ。(Correct: I chose which clothes to wear.)

To master 選定する (sentei suru), you must distinguish it from its many synonyms. Each has a slightly different shade of meaning.

選ぶ (Erabu) vs. 選定する (Sentei suru): 選ぶ is the general, all-purpose verb for 'to choose'. 選定する is a formal sub-type of choosing that implies a specific purpose and criteria.

選択する (Sentaku suru) vs. 選定する (Sentei suru): 選択する is often used for selecting options or making a choice between distinct alternatives (like 'Option A' or 'Option B'). It's common in computing and logic. 選定する is about finding the 'best fit' for a role or function.

採択する (Saitaku suru): This means 'to adopt' or 'to pass' (a motion/proposal). It is used when a plan or a resolution is selected to be implemented. You 'sentei' a candidate, but you 'saitaku' a proposal.

抽出する (Chuushutsu suru): This means 'to extract' or 'to sample'. It is used in statistics or chemistry. You 'chuushutsu' data from a database, whereas you 'sentei' the method for doing so.

会議では、三つの案の中から一つを選択した。(In the meeting, we selected one from among three plans.)

新しい教科書を選定する基準を話し合う。(Discuss the criteria for selecting new textbooks.)

適切な統計手法を選定することが、分析の第一歩だ。(Selecting the appropriate statistical method is the first step of analysis.)

彼は委員会のメンバーに選出された。(He was elected/selected as a member of the committee.)

Summary Table: - 選ぶ: General/Casual
- 選択: Options/Logic
- 選定: Formal/Criteria/Purpose
- 採択: Proposals/Adoption

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

There is another word pronounced 'Sentei' (剪定) which means 'pruning' trees. They sound identical but use different kanji!

Pronunciation Guide

UK sen.teː su.ɾu

US sen.teɪ su.ru

The pitch accent is usually flat (Heiban), meaning the pitch stays relatively level after the first syllable.

Rhymes With

Kentei (検定) Sentei (剪定 - pruning) Sentei (船底 - ship bottom) Gentei (限定) Sentei (先程 - a while ago, though pitch differs) Antei (安定) Hantei (判定) Sentei (選定)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'tei' as 'tie' (like necktie). It should be 'tay'.
Over-stressing the 'n'.
Confusing the 'r' in 'suru' with the English 'r'.
Making the 'u' in 'suru' too long.
Incorrect pitch accent on 'sen'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Kanji are common but require intermediate knowledge.

Writing 3/5

Writing 'Sen' (選) can be tricky for beginners.

Speaking 3/5

Requires understanding of formal register to use correctly.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation, but easy to confuse with homophones.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

選ぶ決める基準方法会議

Learn Next

採択する検討する審査する決定する抽出する

Advanced

公募随意契約コンペ入札評価指標

Grammar to Know

Suru-verbs

勉強する、選定する、判断する

Passive Voice (~sareru)

選定される、選ばれる

Causative Passive (~saserareru)

選定させられる (To be made to select)

Noun + ni motozuite (Based on...)

基準に基づいて選定する

Nominalization with 'no'

選定するのは難しい

Examples by Level

本を選定します。

I will select a book (formal).

Simple [Object] + を + 選定します。

リーダーを選定しました。

We selected a leader.

Past tense of a suru-verb.

どれを選定しますか？

Which one will you select?

Interrogative form.

会社がツールを選定する。

The company selects a tool.

Subject + ga + Object + o + Verb.

良い業者を選定してください。

Please select a good vendor.

Request form: ~te kudasai.

名前を選定する。

To select a name (officially).

Dictionary form.

場所を選定しましたか？

Did you select the location?

Past tense question.

色を選定する。

To select a color (e.g., for a brand).

Formal selection of a color.

会議で新しいメンバーを選定した。

We selected new members at the meeting.

Location + de + Action.

この基準で選び、選定します。

We choose and select based on this criteria.

Using 'kijun' (criteria) with sentei.

教科書を選定するのは難しいです。

Selecting textbooks is difficult.

Nominalizing a verb with 'no wa'.

彼は実行委員に選定された。

He was selected for the executive committee.

Passive voice: sentei sareru.

適切なソフトウェアを選定してください。

Please select the appropriate software.

Adjective + Object.

プロジェクトの候補地を選定する。

To select candidate sites for the project.

Compound noun: kouhou-chi (candidate site).

会社は慎重にパートナーを選定した。

The company carefully selected a partner.

Adverb 'shinchou ni' (carefully).

新しいデザインを選定しましょう。

Let's select a new design.

Volitional form: ~mashou.

コストと品質を考慮して、業者を選定する。

We will select a vendor, considering cost and quality.

Using '~o kouryo shite' (considering...).

選定された理由は何ですか？

What is the reason it was selected?

Passive past participle used as an adjective.

委員会は候補者を三名に選定した。

The committee narrowed the candidates down to three.

[Number] + ni + sentei suru (select down to...).

このツールを選定した根拠を教えてください。

Please tell me the basis for selecting this tool.

Konkyo (basis/grounds).

政府は新しい遺産を選定する方針だ。

The government plans to select new heritage sites.

Houshin da (It is the policy/plan to...).

厳正な審査の結果、彼を選定しました。

As a result of a strict examination, we selected him.

Gensei na shinsa (strict examination).

どの業者を選定するか、まだ決まっていない。

It hasn't been decided yet which vendor we will select.

Embedded question: ~ka.

実務に即した資料を選定する。

To select materials that are practical for actual work.

Jitsumu ni sokushita (practical/aligned with work).

独自の選定基準に基づいて投資先を決定する。

Decide on investment targets based on original selection criteria.

Motozuite (based on).

第三者機関が公平に業者を選定します。

A third-party organization will fairly select the vendor.

Daisansha kikan (third-party organization).

システムの導入に先立ち、機種を選定した。

Prior to the introduction of the system, we selected the models.

~ni sakidachi (prior to).

環境への影響を評価し、用地を選定する。

Evaluate the environmental impact and select a site.

Evaluating impact (hyouka).

ブランドのイメージに合致するモデルを選定した。

We selected a model that matches the brand image.

Gatchi suru (to match/agree with).

選定のプロセスを透明化する必要がある。

It is necessary to make the selection process transparent.

Toumeika (making transparent).

数ある候補の中から、一点を選定するのは困難だ。

It is difficult to select one item from among many candidates.

Kounan da (is difficult/hard).

最適な解決策を選定するための議論を行う。

Hold a discussion to select the optimal solution.

~tame no (for the purpose of).

多角的な視点から検討を重ね、最終的な候補を選定した。

After repeated consideration from various perspectives, we selected the final candidates.

Takakuteki na shiten (multifaceted perspective).

本件の委託先選定における不透明さが指摘されている。

Lack of transparency in the selection of the contractor for this case has been pointed out.

~ni okeru (in/regarding).

合理的な根拠を欠いた選定は、批判の対象となる。

Selections lacking a rational basis become targets of criticism.

Kaita (lacking).

次世代のリーダーを選定する仕組みを構築する。

Construct a mechanism to select next-generation leaders.

Shikumi o kouchiku suru (build a system).

学術的価値に基づき、研究対象を選定した。

Selected the research subjects based on academic value.

Gakujutsuteki kachi (academic value).

選定の過程で政治的な圧力が働いた可能性がある。

There is a possibility that political pressure was applied during the selection process.

Atsuryoku ga hataraku (pressure is applied).

厳選された豆を選定し、最高のコーヒーを提供する。

Select carefully chosen beans and provide the best coffee.

Gensen sareta (carefully chosen/selected).

リスクを最小限に抑えるべく、投資先を慎重に選定する。

In order to keep risk to a minimum, we carefully select investment targets.

~beku (in order to).

恣意的な選定を排除し、客観的な指標を導入すべきだ。

Arbitrary selections should be excluded and objective indicators should be introduced.

Shiiteki (arbitrary).

当該地域の特性を踏まえ、最適な開発手法を選定した。

Based on the characteristics of the region in question, the optimal development method was selected.

Fumae (based on/taking into account).

選定の公平性を担保するため、外部識者を招請した。

To guarantee the fairness of the selection, external experts were invited.

Tanpo suru (to guarantee/secure).

歴史的経緯を鑑み、保存すべき建造物を選定する。

In view of the historical background, select the buildings to be preserved.

~o kangami (in view of/taking into account).

グローバルな競争力を強化すべく、提携先を厳密に選定した。

To strengthen global competitiveness, we strictly selected our partners.

Genmitsu ni (strictly/rigorously).

選定基準の妥当性について、再検討を要する。

The validity of the selection criteria requires reconsideration.

Datousei (validity).

膨大な選択肢の中から、真に価値あるものを選定する審美眼が問われる。

One's aesthetic eye to select what is truly valuable from a vast number of options is being tested.

Shinbigan (aesthetic eye/discernment).

選定の結果が社会に与える影響を熟慮せねばならない。

We must carefully consider the impact the selection results will have on society.

Jukuryo (careful consideration).

Common Collocations

業者を選定する

用地を選定する

基準を選定する

候補を選定する

ツールを選定する

機種を選定する

人材を選定する

方法を選定する

対象を選定する

ルートを選定する

Common Phrases

選定基準

— The standards used to make a selection.

選定基準を明確にする。

選定理由

— The reason why a specific item was selected.

選定理由を説明してください。

選定プロセス

— The series of steps taken to select something.

選定プロセスを改善する。

選定委員会

— A committee formed specifically to select something.

選定委員会が招集された。

選定結果

— The final outcome of the selection process.

選定結果を公表する。

一次選定

— The first round of selection/screening.

一次選定を通過した。

委託先選定

— Selecting a contractor or outsourcing partner.

委託先選定の公募を始める。

候補者選定

— Selecting candidates for a job or award.

候補者選定に時間がかかる。

機種選定

— Selecting a specific model of hardware or machinery.

機種選定のポイントをまとめる。

選定中

— Currently in the process of selecting.

現在、業者を選定中だ。

Often Confused With

選定する vs 剪定 (Sentei)

Means 'pruning' trees. Same pronunciation, different kanji.

選定する vs 選定 (Sentei) vs 選択 (Sentaku)

Sentaku is for options; Sentei is for specific designation.

選定する vs 選定 (Sentei) vs 選出 (Senshutsu)

Senshutsu is specifically for electing or picking people.

Idioms & Expressions

"白羽の矢が立つ"

— To be singled out or selected for a difficult task or honor.

彼に白羽の矢が立った。

Literary/Idiom

"より好みする"

— To be picky or fastidious in choosing (often negative).

あまりより好みしてはいけない。

Informal

"適材適所"

— The right person in the right place (result of good selection).

適材適所の選定を行う。

Formal

"目利き"

— Having a 'discerning eye' for selection.

彼は美術品の目利きだ。

Neutral

"取捨選択"

— Making a choice by taking what is needed and discarding the rest.

情報を取捨選択する。

Formal

"選りすぐり"

— The 'cream of the crop'; something extremely carefully selected.

選りすぐりのメンバーを集める。

Neutral

"粒ぞろい"

— A group where everyone is excellent (well-selected).

今年の新人たちは粒ぞろいだ。

Neutral

"多士済々"

— A gathering of many talented people.

多士済々の候補者から選定する。

Formal

"眼光紙背に徹す"

— Having deep insight (useful for selection).

眼光紙背に徹する選定眼。

Literary

"二者択一"

— Choosing between two alternatives.

二者択一を迫られる。

Formal

Easily Confused

選定する vs 選択 (Sentaku)

Both mean 'select'.

Sentaku is choosing an option (like in a test); Sentei is a formal designation process.

正しい答えを選択する vs 業者を選定する。

選定する vs 選出 (Senshutsu)

Both involve choosing people.

Senshutsu implies electing or picking out someone for a role; Sentei is more about the process/criteria.

代表を選出する vs 候補者を選定する。

選定する vs 採択 (Saitaku)

Both involve choosing.

Saitaku is specifically for adopting a plan or a proposal.

議案を採択する。

選定する vs 指定 (Shitei)

Both mean picking something.

Shitei is 'designating' or 'naming' something specific, often without comparing others.

時間を指定する。

選定する vs 抽出 (Chuushutsu)

Both involve picking from a group.

Chuushutsu is 'extracting' or 'sampling' for data purposes.

サンプルを抽出する。

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] を選定する。

ツールを選定する。

[Criteria] に基づいて [Noun] を選定する。

価格に基づいて業者を選定する。

[Noun] が [Position] に選定される。

彼がリーダーに選定される。

[Noun] を [Number] に選定する。

候補を三名に選定する。

[Noun] の選定を行う。

委託先の選定を行う。

[Noun] を選定する方針だ。

新しい基準を選定する方針だ。

[Noun] の選定における [Issue]。

業者選定における公平性の問題。

[Noun] を鑑み [Noun] を選定する。

経緯を鑑み対象を選定する。

Word Family

Nouns

選定 (Selection)

選定者 (Selector)

選定物 (Selected item)

Verbs

選ぶ (To choose)

選出する (To elect)

選択する (To select options)

Adjectives

選定された (Selected)

選定的な (Selective)

当選 (Winning an election)

落選 (Losing an election)

選択肢 (Choices)

選手 (Athlete/Selected person)

精選 (Careful selection)

How to Use It

frequency

High in professional/official contexts; Low in casual speech.

Common Mistakes

Using sentei for lunch. → Erabu (選ぶ)
Sentei is too formal for daily personal choices.
Confusing with Sentaku (選択). → Sentei for designation, Sentaku for options.
Sentaku is for choosing from choices, Sentei is for formal selection.
Using it for romantic partners. → Erabu (選ぶ)
Sentei sounds like you are hiring a vendor, not falling in love.
Misspelling the kanji for 'tei'. → 定 (Determine)
Don't confuse it with other 'tei' kanji like 庭 (garden).
Forgetting the 'suru'. → 選定する
As a suru-verb, it needs 'suru' to function as a verb.

Tips

Business Context

Always use 'sentei suru' in formal reports to sound professional.

Criteria

Combine it with 'ni motozuite' (based on) to explain your logic.

Noun Form

Learn the compound nouns like 'sentei riyuu' (reason for selection).

Pitch Accent

Keep it flat (Heiban) to sound natural.

Politeness

Use 'sentei itashimasu' when speaking to a client about your choices.

Kanji Practice

Practice the kanji '選' as it is used in many important words.

News keywords

When you hear 'sentei', expect a news item about an official decision.

Synonym Mapping

Map 'sentei' to 'formal selection' in your mind.

Avoid Casual Use

Don't use it for food, clothes, or friends.

Passive Voice

Master 'sentei sareru' for reading news articles.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Senator' (Sen-) who has to 'Determine' (-tei) which law to pass. Senator-Determine = Sentei.

Visual Association

Imagine a person in a suit standing before a large grid of candidates, placing a gold 'Fixed' (定) stamp on the best one.

Word Web

Selection Criteria Official Business Vendor Site Candidate Formal

Challenge

Try to use 'sentei suru' in a sentence about choosing a university or a major, focusing on the criteria you used.

Word Origin

The word is a Sino-Japanese (Kango) compound. 'Sen' (選) comes from Middle Chinese /swen/ meaning to choose. 'Tei' (定) comes from /deŋ/ meaning to fix or settle.

Original meaning: To choose and settle on a decision.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Cultural Context

None, but using it for people can sound dehumanizing if not in an HR/official context.

In English, 'select' is used similarly, but 'sentei suru' is even more restricted to formal contexts than 'select' is in English.

Government selection of 'Important Cultural Properties' (重要文化財の選定). The selection of host cities for the Olympics. Corporate vendor selection reports.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Business Procurement

相見積もりを取る
業者を選定する
コスト削減
契約を締結する

Academic Research

被験者を選定する
サンプル抽出
分析手法
先行研究

Government/Public Policy

用地選定
環境アセスメント
住民説明会
選定結果の公表

Human Resources

採用候補者
適性を判断する
人材選定
面接を行う

IT/System Development

要件定義
ソフトウェア選定
ベンダー比較
導入支援

Conversation Starters

"新しいプロジェクトのメンバーは、どのような基準で選定されましたか？"

"次回のイベント会場を選定する際に、最も重視すべき点は何だと思いますか？"

"ベンダーの選定プロセスにおいて、透明性を確保するにはどうすればいいでしょうか？"

"あなたが研究テーマを選定した一番の理由を教えてください。"

"最新のスマートフォンを購入する際、どのように機種を選定しましたか？"

Journal Prompts

今日、仕事やプライベートで何かを「選定」しましたか？その基準は何でしたか？

もしあなたが新しい会社の社長なら、どのような基準で副社長を選定しますか？

過去に自分が「選定された」経験について書いてください（オーディション、採用など）。

「選ぶ」と「選定する」の違いについて、自分の言葉で説明してください。

将来住む場所を選定するとしたら、どのような条件をリストアップしますか？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, that would sound very strange. Use 'erabu' (選ぶ) or 'kimeru' (決める) for personal choices like movies.

It is a noun that becomes a verb when you add 'suru'. You can say 'Sentei ga owaru' (The selection ends) or 'Sentei suru' (To select).

'Erabu' is general and can be casual. 'Sentei' is formal and implies a process or criteria. You 'erabu' a shirt, but a company 'sentei' a supplier.

It is '選定基準' (sentei kijun).

Yes, but usually in a formal context like HR selecting a candidate or a committee selecting a leader.

Yes, 'sentei sareru' (to be selected) is very common in news reports.

It means 'site selection' or 'land selection', often used in construction or urban planning.

Yes, 'software sentei' is a common business term for choosing which software to buy.

Yes, 'sentaku' is like picking an option from a list (A or B). 'Sentei' is picking the best fit for a role/purpose.

It is generally considered a B1/N3 level word, but its usage becomes more frequent at higher levels.