honorable · govern

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 御 has 12 strokes and meanings related to respect or governing. It is read お in 御礼 (おれい) and ぎょ in 制御 (せいぎょ).
• Basic usage: 御礼 means gratitude or thanks for help; 制御 means controlling something such as speed or power.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Thanks and control
  • 助けていただいた御礼に菓子を贈った means sent sweets as thanks for help received. 御礼の手紙 means a letter of thanks.
  • 模型列車の速さを制御した means controlled a model train's speed. 自分の力を制御できない means cannot control one's own power.