How to say "setting" in Japanese

• モードCommon
  noun, noun (suffix)Covers the sense of a setting on a machine or device—a way it operates. It is really 'mode', so use it when talking about switching a device into a different operating state rather than about configuration in general.
  このプログラムはＤＯＳモードでは作動さどうしません。↗

  This program cannot be run in DOS mode.
• 場面ばめんJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounCovers the setting of a story, play, or event: the scene or place where something happens. Use it for the physical or narrative backdrop of an episode, not for machine settings or records.
  その場面ばめんは彼かれの記憶きおくの底そこに留とまっていた。↗

  The scene was embedded in his memory.
• セッティングCommon
  noun, suru verbA loanword covering setting up, arranging, or installing things—equipment, furniture, appointments. It suits contexts of arranging or mounting items, and is not the usual word for a story's setting or a device mode.
  セッティングは整ととのえておいたから、後あとはまーくんが根性こんじょう見みせなきゃダメだからね？↗

  I've set the stage so now you just have to show some guts, OK?
• 作曲さっきょくJLPT N3approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, transitive verb, intransitive verbMatches only the musical sense: setting words to music, or writing music. Unless you are talking about composition of music, this is not the word you want for 'setting'.
  この音楽おんがくはバッハによって作曲さっきょくされた。↗

  This music was composed by Bach.
• 樹立じゅりつJLPT N1approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, transitive verb, intransitive verbMatches only the sense of setting a record, and also means establishing or founding something. For any other sense of 'setting' this is a poor choice; reach for it only for records or formal establishment.
  イギリス人いぎりすじんは１６０９年ねんアメリカに植民地しょくみんちを樹立じゅりつした。↗

  The English established colonies in America in 1609.

Use 「モード」 for a machine's operating mode, 場面 for the scene or backdrop of a story or event, 「セッティング」 for arranging or installing equipment, 作曲 only for setting music, and 樹立 only for setting a record.

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

• モードmode (e.g. of a machine)
• 場面ばめんscene
• セッティングsetting
• 作曲さっきょくcomposition (of music)
• 樹立じゅりつestablishment
• 設定せっていestablishment
• 据え付けすえつけinstallation
• 背景はいけいbackground
• 目立てめたてsetting (of a saw)
• 巣引きすびきsetting (of a hen)
• 置き方おきかたsetting
• 定植ていしょくplanting out (e.g. seedlings)
• 後景こうけいbackground
• 凝結ぎょうけつsolidification
• 台だいsetting (of a gem)
• 舞台ぶたいsetting (of a story)
• シーンscenario
• 記録きろくrecord (e.g. in sports)
• 予約よやくprogramming (e.g. a device)
• セットsetting up
• 世界観せかいかんsetting (for a fictional work)
• マークsetting (a record)
• 入りいりsetting (of the Sun or Moon)