When you're first learning Japanese, you'll probably encounter the verb 立つ (tatsu) meaning 'to stand.' This is a very common and essential verb. However, as you progress, you'll find that 立つ can be used in many more nuanced ways, extending beyond its literal meaning.
For example, it can describe the establishment of something, like a plan or a record being set. You might hear it in phrases like 役に立つ (yaku ni tatsu), meaning 'to be useful,' literally 'to stand in a role.' It can also indicate the passage of time or a particular situation occurring.
Consider how a strong wind might 'stand' an object up, or how a good reputation 'stands' for itself. These less literal uses are important for understanding natural Japanese.
Mastering these various applications of 立つ will significantly enhance your comprehension and allow you to express yourself more naturally, showing a deeper understanding of the language beyond basic dictionary definitions.
立つ en 30 secondes
- Use 立つ to say 'to stand'.
- It also means 'to rise' or 'to get up'.
- It's a common verb for describing body position.
§ Don't confuse 立つ (tatsu) with 座る (suwaru)
Many learners, especially at the A2 level, sometimes mix up 立つ (tatsu) meaning "to stand" with 座る (suwaru) meaning "to sit." While both are common verbs related to body posture, their meanings are opposite. Make sure you're using the correct one for the situation.
- DEFINITION
- 立つ (tatsu): to stand, to rise
- DEFINITION
- 座る (suwaru): to sit
どうぞ、立ってください。
Please stand up.
どうぞ、座ってください。
Please sit down.
§ Using 立つ (tatsu) for inanimate objects
While 立つ (tatsu) primarily refers to people or animals standing up, it can also be used for inanimate objects that are in a vertical or upright position. This is where it can get tricky, as the nuance is different from a person standing.
- When used with people or animals, it means they change from a sitting or lying position to a standing one.
- When used with objects, it describes their state of being upright or erected.
彼はドアのそばに立っていました。
He was standing by the door.
旗が立っている。
The flag is standing (upright).
§ Using the wrong particle with 立つ (tatsu)
When indicating the place where someone or something stands, learners sometimes use incorrect particles. The particle に (ni) is commonly used to indicate location when referring to someone standing at a particular spot.
Avoid using particles like で (de) when simply stating the location of standing. While で (de) can indicate the location of an action, に (ni) is more natural for the static state of being in a standing position.
駅に立っている。
(I am) standing at the station.
Incorrect example:
駅で立っている。
While this isn't strictly wrong, it often implies an action taking place *at* the station rather than simply stating your location in a standing position. For simply being in a standing state at a location, に is preferred.
Exemples par niveau
厳しい状況の中で、彼は一人で会社を立て直した。
In a difficult situation, he single-handedly rebuilt the company.
「立て直す」 (tate naosu) is a compound verb meaning 'to rebuild' or 'to restore', derived from 「立つ」 (tatsu) and 「直す」 (naosu).
彼の意見が、このプロジェクトの成功に大きく貢献するだろう。
His opinion will largely contribute to the success of this project.
「立つ」 can be used in phrases like 「〜に立つ」 (ni tatsu) meaning 'to be in a position to' or 'to stand for something', though here 「貢献する」 (kōken suru - to contribute) is used. It implies that his opinion 'stands' as a significant factor.
長年の努力が実を結び、ついに目標を達成することができた。
Years of effort bore fruit, and I was finally able to achieve my goal.
「実を結ぶ」 (mi o musubu) literally means 'to bear fruit', but idiomatically means 'to come to fruition' or 'to be rewarded'. The idea of something 'standing' or 'establishing' itself is subtly present in the culmination of effort.
この計画が成功するかどうかは、私たちの協力にかかっている。
Whether this plan succeeds or not depends on our cooperation.
「〜にかかっている」 (ni kakatte iru) means 'to depend on'. While not directly using 「立つ」, the phrase implies a foundation upon which success 'stands'.
彼の言葉一つ一つが、聴衆の心に深く響いた。
Every single one of his words resonated deeply in the hearts of the audience.
「心に響く」 (kokoro ni hibiku) means 'to resonate with one's heart'. Here, the impact of his words 'stands out' or 'leaves a lasting impression'.
どんな困難に直面しても、彼は決して諦めなかった。
No matter what difficulties he faced, he never gave up.
「直面する」 (chokumen suru) means 'to confront' or 'to face'. The sense of 'standing' directly in front of a challenge is implied.
その決断は、会社の未来を左右する重要なものだった。
That decision was an important one that would influence the future of the company.
「未来を左右する」 (mirai o sayū suru) means 'to determine the future'. The decision 'stands' as a pivotal point.
彼は常に自分の信念に基づいて行動する人だ。
He is a person who always acts based on his beliefs.
「信念に基づいて行動する」 (shin'nen ni motozuite kōdō suru) means 'to act based on one's beliefs'. His actions 'stand' firmly on his principles.
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
立ってはいけません。(Tatte wa ikemasen.)
You must not stand.
彼は立っています。(Kare wa tatte imasu.)
He is standing.
ここに立ってください。(Koko ni tatte kudasai.)
Please stand here.
私は毎日、満員電車に立ちます。(Watashi wa mainichi, man'in densha ni tachimasu.)
I stand on a crowded train every day.
あなたの仕事はとても役に立ちます。(Anata no shigoto wa totemo yaku ni tachimasu.)
Your work is very useful.
彼はいつもクラスで目立ちます。(Kare wa itsumo kurasu de medachimasu.)
He always stands out in class.
私はそのニュースに腹が立ちました。(Watashi wa sono nyuusu ni hara ga tachimashita.)
I got angry at that news.
来年の予定が立ちました。(Rainen no yotei ga tachimashita.)
Plans for next year have been made.
新しい家が駅の近くに建ちます。(Atarashii ie ga eki no chikaku ni tachimasu.)
A new house will be built near the station.
彼は世界記録を立てました。(Kare wa sekai kiroku o tatemashita.)
He set a world record.
Souvent confondu avec
The direct opposite meaning: to sit.
To make someone sit, the causative form of 座る, contrasting with 立てる.
To sleep, or to lie down, another common body position.
Facile à confondre
This is the transitive form of 立つ. It means 'to stand something up' or 'to erect'.
立つ (tatsu) is intransitive (something stands on its own), while 立てる (tateru) is transitive (someone stands something up).
本を立てる (hon o tateru) - to stand a book up.
Similar to 立てる, it can mean 'to raise' or 'to wake someone up', which can be confused with 'to stand'.
起こす (okosu) often implies a change in state from lying down to sitting or standing, or waking someone. 立てる (tateru) is specifically about making something vertical.
子供を起こす (kodomo o okosu) - to wake up a child.
The intransitive form of 起こす, meaning 'to get up' or 'to wake up'.
起きる (okiru) is about a person getting up from bed or waking up. 立つ (tatsu) is about being in a standing position.
朝早く起きる (asa hayaku okiru) - to wake up early in the morning.
The opposite of 立つ, meaning 'to sit'. Sometimes learners might confuse these basic position verbs.
立つ (tatsu) means to be upright on one's feet. 座る (suwaru) means to be seated.
椅子に座る (isu ni suwaru) - to sit on a chair.
Meaning 'to stop', it can be confused if thinking of 'standing still'.
立つ (tatsu) is about being in a vertical position. 止まる (tomaru) is about ceasing movement.
車が止まる (kuruma ga tomaru) - the car stops.
Famille de mots
Noms
Verbes
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Imagine a **TATSU** (dragon in Japanese folklore) that loves to **stand** on its hind legs and **rise** majestically into the sky. 'Tatsu' sounds like 'たつ' (tatsu).
Association visuelle
Picture yourself in a crowded train, and as soon as a seat opens up, you immediately **rise** and **stand** to claim it. Or, visualize a person **standing** tall and proud.
Word Web
Défi
Try to use 立つ in a simple sentence. For example: 毎日、電車で立ちます。(Mainichi, densha de tachimasu.) - I stand on the train every day. Or: 彼はドアのそばに立っています。(Kare wa doa no soba ni tatte imasu.) - He is standing by the door.
Teste-toi 36 questions
子どもが部屋の隅に___。
The sentence means 'The child stands in the corner of the room.' '立ちます' (tachimasu) is the polite form of '立つ' (tatsu), meaning 'to stand.'
電車の中で、お年寄りがいたら席を___。
This sentence means 'If there is an elderly person on the train, let's give up our seat.' '立ちましょう' (tachimashō) is the volitional form of '立つ' (tatsu), used to suggest standing up.
彼は毎日、同じ場所に___。
The sentence means 'He stands in the same place every day.' '立ちます' (tachimasu) is the polite form of '立つ' (tatsu), meaning 'to stand.'
疲れたら、少しの間___。
This sentence means 'If you are tired, let's stand for a little while.' '立ちましょう' (tachimashō) is the volitional form of '立つ' (tatsu), used to suggest standing.
朝、太陽が___。
While '立つ' can mean to rise, for the sun, '昇ります' (noborimasu - to rise/ascend) is the most natural and common verb to use. The sentence means 'The sun rises in the morning.' This question tests the subtle nuance of 'to rise.'
私たちは、新しい目標に向かって___。
In this context, '立ちます' (tachimasu) implies 'to stand up' or 'to embark on' a new goal. The sentence means 'We stand up towards a new goal.'
電車の中で、お年寄りがいたら席を___。
In a train, if there is an elderly person, you stand up from your seat (to offer it).
疲れたので、少し___たいです。
I'm tired, so I want to stand up a bit (to stretch).
毎朝、6時に___ます。
Every morning, I wake up at 6 o'clock. (While 'tatsu' can mean to rise, 'okiru' is more appropriate for waking up.)
会議中、みんなが___上がった。
During the meeting, everyone stood up.
先生が教室に___、生徒は静かになった。
When the teacher entered the classroom, the students became quiet. (This sentence uses 'tatsu' in the sense of 'entering and establishing presence' - a slightly more advanced usage for A2, but still relevant.)
彼はいつも一番早く___て、準備をする。
He always gets up the earliest and prepares. ('Tatsu' here refers to getting up from bed or a seated position.)
会議で意見を___。
To express an opinion in a meeting, the transitive form '立てます' (to establish, to set up) is used here in the context of '立てる' as in '意見を立てる' (to state an opinion). '立ちます' is intransitive (to stand).
彼は毎朝、バス停でバスを___。
The most natural phrase for 'waiting for a bus at the bus stop' is 'バスを待っています' (is waiting for the bus). While one might be 'standing' at the bus stop, the action described is 'waiting'.
この計画を成功させるために、私たちは協力して___。
To 'face' or 'confront' a challenge or goal together, '立ち向かう' (to confront, to face) is the appropriate verb. '立ちます' (to stand) alone does not convey the meaning of working towards a goal.
電車が急に止まったので、乗客はみんな___。
When a train stops suddenly, passengers naturally 'stood up' or 'were standing'. The intransitive past tense '立ちました' (stood up) is correct.
この会社は去年、新しいプロジェクトを___。
To 'launch' or 'establish' a new project, the transitive form '立てる' (to establish, to set up) is used. The past tense '立てました' (established) is appropriate here.
問題に直面したとき、彼女は勇気を持って___。
When facing a problem with courage, the verb '立ち向かう' (to confront, to face) is used. The past tense '立ち向かいました' (faced) is correct.
Choose the correct particle for this sentence: 彼はドアの___立っています。
To indicate the location where someone or something 'stands' (立つ), the particle 'に' is commonly used.
Which of these sentences correctly uses '立つ' in the past tense?
The past tense (た-form) of '立つ' (to stand) is '立った'.
What is the most natural way to say 'Please stand up' in Japanese?
The '~てください' form is used to make a polite request. '立ってください' means 'Please stand up.'
The sentence '彼は毎日、駅で立っています。' means 'He stands at the station every day.'
「立つ」means 'to stand'. 「駅で」means 'at the station'. 「毎日」means 'every day'. The '~ています' form indicates a continuous action or a state.
You can use '立つ' to describe a building that is 'standing' or 'located' somewhere, like 'そのビルは高いところに立っている。'
While '立つ' primarily means 'to stand' for people, it can also be used for inanimate objects like buildings to describe their location or erection.
The phrase '席を立つ' means 'to sit down.'
「席を立つ」literally means 'to leave one's seat' or 'to stand up from one's seat'. It does not mean 'to sit down'.
Imagine you are an architect designing a building that incorporates traditional Japanese elements. Describe how you would make the building 'stand out' (目立つ) while still harmonizing with its surroundings. Use '立つ' in a figurative sense.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
この建築物のデザインは、周囲の景観と調和しつつも、その独特な屋根の形状によって一際目立つように工夫しました。伝統的な木材を使用しながらも、現代的なラインを取り入れることで、新旧が融合した美しさが際立つでしょう。特に、建物の中心に立つ大きな柱は、構造的な強度と視覚的なアクセントの両方を担っています。
You are a journalist reporting on a social issue in Japan. Write a short paragraph discussing how a specific group or movement is 'standing up' (立ち上がる) against injustice or for a particular cause. Explain the significance of their actions.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
最近、若者たちが環境保護のために立ち上がり、積極的なデモ活動を展開しています。彼らは気候変動の深刻さを訴え、政府に具体的な対策を求めています。この動きは、従来の世代には見られなかった強い意志と行動力で、社会全体に大きな影響を与え始めています。不正に対し声を上げ、立ち上がる彼らの姿は、将来への希望を示すものです。
Describe a situation where someone 'stands firm' (突っ立つ) on their principles or beliefs, even when faced with significant opposition. What are the challenges they face, and what is the outcome?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
彼は、会社の利益優先の方針に異を唱え、社員の労働環境改善を訴え続けました。周囲からの圧力にも屈せず、自分の信念を突っ立つ姿は、当初は孤立を招きましたが、徐々に他の社員からの支持を得るようになりました。最終的には彼の提案が一部採用され、労働条件が改善されるという結果に繋がりました。信念を貫くことの難しさと、それがもたらす変化を目の当たりにしました。
この経営者が「新しい市場に立つ」ために最も重要視した行動は何ですか？
Read this passage:
ある会社の経営者は、常に新しい事業展開を模索していました。彼は「新しい市場に立つ」ことを目標に掲げ、革新的なアイデアを次々と実行に移しました。しかし、競合他社との厳しい競争に直面し、何度も困難にぶつかりました。それでも彼は諦めず、社員と共にその難局を乗り越え、ついに業界内で確固たる地位を築き上げました。
この経営者が「新しい市場に立つ」ために最も重要視した行動は何ですか？
本文中に「革新的なアイデアを次々と実行に移しました」とあるため、これが最も重要視した行動と読み取れます。
本文中に「革新的なアイデアを次々と実行に移しました」とあるため、これが最も重要視した行動と読み取れます。
障子や襖を使うことで、どのような効果が「際立ちます」か？
Read this passage:
日本の伝統的な家屋では、障子や襖によって部屋が仕切られています。これらの仕切りは、必要に応じて開け放たれたり閉じられたりすることで、空間の使い方が自由になります。特に、複数の部屋を繋げて広々とした空間を作り出す際に、その効果が際立ちます。これは、限られた空間を最大限に活用するための知恵であり、日本の美意識にも深く関わっています。
障子や襖を使うことで、どのような効果が「際立ちます」か？
本文中に「空間の使い方が自由になります」と明記されており、その効果が際立つと説明されています。
本文中に「空間の使い方が自由になります」と明記されており、その効果が際立つと説明されています。
災害時に「信頼できる情報源からの正確な情報に立つ」ことの重要性は何ですか？
Read this passage:
災害発生時、迅速な情報伝達は住民の安全を確保するために不可欠です。しかし、誤った情報が流布されることで、混乱が生じ、救助活動の妨げになることもあります。このような状況下では、信頼できる情報源からの正確な情報に「立つ」ことが重要です。地域住民は、公式発表や信頼できるメディアの報道に注意を払い、冷静な判断を心がけるべきです。
災害時に「信頼できる情報源からの正確な情報に立つ」ことの重要性は何ですか？
本文中に「誤った情報が流布されることで、混乱が生じ、救助活動の妨げになることもあります。このような状況下では、信頼できる情報源からの正確な情報に『立つ』ことが重要です」とあるため、これが直接的な理由となります。
本文中に「誤った情報が流布されることで、混乱が生じ、救助活動の妨げになることもあります。このような状況下では、信頼できる情報源からの正確な情報に『立つ』ことが重要です」とあるため、これが直接的な理由となります。
This sentence describes a situation where a discussion became heated and uncontrollable. The verb '立つ' (tatsu) can be used in the context of '立ち行かなくなる' (tachi-ikanaku naru) meaning to become unmanageable or to break down, though the sentence itself doesn't use 立つ. This exercise tests understanding of complex sentence structure.
This sentence describes how someone's words deeply impressed the audience. '立つ' can be used in phrases like '心に立つ' (kokoro ni tatsu) meaning to be engraved in one's heart, emphasizing its impact.
This sentence indicates that despite facing many difficulties, a plan eventually led to success. '立つ' can be used in the context of '立ち向かう' (tachimukau) meaning to confront or face challenges, though not directly used here.
/ 36 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
立つ (tatsu) is a fundamental verb for expressing the action of standing or rising in Japanese.
- Use 立つ to say 'to stand'.
- It also means 'to rise' or 'to get up'.
- It's a common verb for describing body position.
Exemple
彼はそこに立っている。
Contenu associé
Plus de mots sur general
いくつか
B1An unspecified small number of things; some, a few.
ちょっと
A2A little; a moment; a bit. Small amount or short time.
すこし
A2A little; a few.
さっき
A2A little while ago; a short time past.
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
