How to say "characterize" in Japanese

• 特徴付けるとくちょうづける
  ichidan verbCovers 'characterize' in the sense of making something characteristic or typifying it — the idea behind 'be characterized by'. Fits describing a style, period, or work through the qualities that define it.
  ここ数ヶ月すうかげつ間かん、アメリカの金融きんゆう政策せいさくは信用しんようの引き締ひきしめで特徴とくちょうづけられている。↗

  Monetary policy in United States has been characterized by tight credit over the months.
• 特色づけるとくしょくづける
  ichidan verb, transitive verbReally means to give something a distinctive character that marks it out — to distinguish, mark, or set it apart. It can render 'characterize' too, but for the plain typifying sense 特徴付ける is closer.

Both are less common ways to say 'characterize'. Choose 「特徴付ける」 for the sense of typifying something — being characterized by its salient qualities; 「特色づける」 chiefly means to give something a distinguishing character that sets it apart.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 特徴付けるとくちょうづけるto make characteristic
• 特色づけるとくしょくづけるto distinguish