占める in 30 Seconds
- Occupies physical space (e.g., furniture in a room).
- Accounts for percentages/ratios (e.g., 50% of the market).
- Holds positions or ranks (e.g., top of the class).
- Used for abstract dominance (e.g., thoughts in the mind).
The Japanese verb 占める (shimeru) is a multifaceted term primarily used to describe the act of occupying a specific space, holding a certain position, or accounting for a particular proportion of a whole. At its core, it suggests that a subject takes up a defined 'territory,' whether that territory is physical, statistical, or abstract. In the CEFR B1 context, learners transition from seeing it as a simple physical action to understanding its vital role in business, sociology, and data analysis.
- Physical Occupation
- Refers to filling a space, such as a person sitting in a seat or a building taking up a lot of land. It implies a sense of 'filling' or 'covering' an area.
- Statistical Proportion
- This is perhaps the most common usage in modern Japanese media. It describes how much of a total percentage a specific category represents. For example, 'Renewable energy accounts for 20% of the total power.'
- Social/Hierarchical Status
- Used to describe holding a rank or position within an organization, such as 'occupying the position of CEO' or 'holding the top spot in a ranking.'
「この荷物が部屋の半分を占めている。」 (This luggage is occupying half of the room.)
Understanding 占める requires recognizing that it is a transitive verb (他動詞), usually paired with the particle を (o). However, unlike 'to take' (取る), which implies the act of grabbing or receiving, 占める emphasizes the state of being present within that space or the result of having secured it. It is less about the movement and more about the presence and proportion.
「女性が全社員の６割を占めています。」 (Women account for 60% of all employees.)
In a psychological sense, 占める can also describe thoughts or feelings that dominate one's mind. If a worry 'occupies' your heart, you would use this verb to show how much mental space it is consuming. This highlights the word's versatility across concrete and abstract domains.
「彼の心は不安が大きな割合を占めていた。」 (Anxiety occupied a large portion of his heart.)
- Kanji Origin
- The kanji 占 (sen/shimeru) originally depicted a turtle shell used for divination (fortune-telling) and a mouth. It evolved to mean 'to take possession of' or 'to occupy,' as diviners would 'fix' or 'determine' a territory or fate.
「日本は国土の多くを山地が占めている。」 (In Japan, mountains occupy most of the land.)
Using 占める correctly involves mastering its grammatical patterns and understanding the nuances of the particle を. Since it is a transitive verb, it almost always follows an object. The most common patterns are [Physical Space] を占める, [Percentage/Ratio] を占める, and [Position/Rank] を占める.
1. Statistical Usage (The Most Common)
In news reports and academic papers, you will constantly see this verb used with numbers. The pattern is usually: [Category] + が + [Total] + の + [Number/Percentage] + を占める.
「輸出がGDPの３０％を占めている。」 (Exports account for 30% of the GDP.)
2. Physical Space Usage
When describing how much room something takes up, use the ~te iru form to indicate a continuous state of occupation.
- 広い面積を占める (To occupy a large area)
- 部屋の大部分を占める (To occupy the majority of the room)
3. Social and Abstract Positions
This is used for rankings or roles. If you are 'number one,' you 'occupy' the first place.
「彼はクラスでトップの成績を占めた。」 (He occupied the top grade in the class.)
4. Conjugation Table
| Form | Japanese | Romaji |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary | 占める | shimeru |
| Polite | 占めます | shimemasu |
| Te-form | 占めて | shimete |
| Negative | 占めない | shimenai |
| Passive | 占められる | shimerareru |
It is important to note that 占める is often used in the ~te iru form because occupation is usually a state rather than a momentary action. If you say '占めている', you are describing the current situation. If you say '占めた', you are describing the act of having secured that position in the past.
You will encounter 占める in a variety of formal and semi-formal contexts. It is a staple of 'Business Japanese' and 'Academic Japanese,' but it also appears in daily life when discussing space or importance.
1. News and Economics
This is the primary domain for 占める. News anchors use it to discuss market shares, demographic shifts, and economic data. Phrases like '市場シェアを占める' (to hold market share) or '高齢者が人口の３割を占める' (elderly people account for 30% of the population) are ubiquitous.
2. Real Estate and Interior Design
When looking at apartments or furniture, you might hear about how much space a certain item takes up. A large sofa might '占める' too much of the living room.
3. Sports and Competitions
Commentators use it to describe a team's dominance in a league or a player's position in a ranking. '上位を占める' (to occupy the top positions) is a common phrase when one country or team is performing exceptionally well across multiple categories.
「日本勢が表彰台を独占し、上位を占めた。」 (The Japanese athletes swept the podium and occupied the top spots.)
4. Academic Lectures
In science or history, professors use it to describe the composition of substances or the territorial extent of empires. '酸素が空気の約２１％を占める' (Oxygen accounts for about 21% of the air).
Despite its relative simplicity, 占める can be tricky due to homophones and subtle nuances in meaning compared to similar verbs.
- Mistake 1: Confusing with 閉める (Shimeru)
- Both are pronounced 'shimeru.' However, 閉める means 'to close' (a door, a window). Context usually clarifies this, but in writing, using the wrong kanji is a common error for learners. 占める is for space/ratio; 閉める is for closing.
- Mistake 2: Confusing with 締める (Shimeru)
- 締める means 'to tighten' (a belt, a tie) or 'to conclude' (a meeting). Again, the pronunciation is identical, but the meaning is unrelated to occupation or percentages.
- Mistake 3: Using 'ni' instead of 'o'
- Learners often think 'to occupy IN a space' and try to use 'ni'. However, the space itself is the object being occupied. Correct: 部屋を占める. Incorrect: 部屋に占める.
4. Nuance: 占める vs. 取る
While both can mean 'to take,' 取る (toru) is an action of acquisition. 占める (shimeru) is about the state of occupation. You 'take' (取る) a seat at a restaurant, but the table 'occupies' (占める) the corner of the room.
To truly master 占める, it is helpful to compare it with other verbs that deal with possession, composition, and space.
- 構成する (Kousei suru)
- Means 'to constitute' or 'to make up.' While 占める focuses on the portion itself, 構成する focuses on how different parts come together to form a whole. Example: 'The committee is constituted of 10 members.'
- 領有する (Ryouyuu suru)
- A much more formal and political term meaning 'to possess territory.' This is used for nations and land ownership, whereas 占める is more general.
- 居座る (Isuwaru)
- Means 'to plant oneself' or 'to stay put' (often in a negative or stubborn way). It implies staying in a place longer than welcome, whereas 占める is neutral.
- 含有する (Ganyuu suru)
- Means 'to contain.' Used for ingredients or chemical components. 'This water contains (含有する) minerals.' You wouldn't use 占める here unless you were talking about the percentage of minerals relative to the water.
Comparison Table
| Word | Nuance | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 占める | Proportion/Occupation | General/Stats |
| 構成する | Structure/Assembly | Formal/Technical |
| 独占する | Monopoly/Exclusive | Business/Market |
How Formal Is It?
Difficulty Rating
Grammar to Know
~te iru (State of being)
Percentages and Fractions (割, %)
Noun modification with verbs
Transitive vs Intransitive pairs
Formal 'desu/masu' vs Plain form
Examples by Level
このつくえは、へやの半分を占めています。
This desk occupies half of the room.
Simple [Space] o shimeru.
大きいベッドがへやを占める。
A big bed occupies the room.
Dictionary form for a general fact.
このかばんは、車の中を占めている。
This bag is taking up space in the car.
~te iru form for current state.
本がたなを占めています。
Books are occupying the shelf.
Polite form.
テレビがテーブルを占める。
The TV occupies the table.
Direct object with 'o'.
公園の半分を木が占めている。
Trees occupy half of the park.
Using 'hanbun' (half).
わたしの部屋は、服が大部分を占めている。
Clothes occupy most of my room.
Using 'daibubun' (majority).
この荷物は場所を占めます。
This luggage takes up space.
Polite dictionary form.
クラスの半分を女子が占めている。
Girls account for half of the class.
Proportion usage.
この国の大部分を山が占めています。
Mountains occupy most of this country.
Geographical description.
テストで一番の席を占めたい。
I want to occupy the first place in the test.
~tai (want to) form.
彼の話が会議の時間を占めた。
His talk took up the meeting time.
Past tense 'shimeta'.
この仕事は一日の多くを占める。
This job takes up most of the day.
Time occupation.
野菜が食事の３割を占めている。
Vegetables account for 30% of the meal.
Using percentage 'san-wari'.
古い家具が倉庫を占めている。
Old furniture is occupying the warehouse.
State of occupation.
そのニュースが新聞のトップを占めた。
That news occupied the top of the newspaper.
Abstract position.
若者の失業率が、全体の高い割合を占めている。
The youth unemployment rate accounts for a high percentage of the total.
B1 level statistical usage.
この企業は市場のシェアを３０％占めている。
This company holds a 30% market share.
Business context.
水が人間の体の約６０％を占めている。
Water accounts for about 60% of the human body.
Scientific fact.
彼は党内で重要なポストを占めている。
He occupies an important post within the party.
Political/Organizational position.
輸出がこの国の経済の大きな部分を占める。
Exports account for a large part of this country's economy.
Economic description.
彼女の心は、新しい仕事への不安が占めていた。
Anxiety about her new job occupied her mind.
Abstract/Psychological usage.
この都市では、サービス業が産業の主流を占めている。
In this city, the service industry occupies the mainstream of industry.
Social trend.
ランキングの上位を日本人が占めた。
Japanese people occupied the top spots in the ranking.
Competition results.
再生可能エネルギーが電力供給に占める割合が増えている。
The proportion of renewable energy in the power supply is increasing.
Complex noun modification: 'ni shimeru'.
彼の生活において、趣味が占める比重は非常に大きい。
In his life, the weight that hobbies occupy is very large.
Abstract 'weight' (hijyuu).
この問題は、我々の議論の中で中心的な位置を占めている。
This issue occupies a central position in our discussion.
Metaphorical position.
インターネット広告が、広告費全体の過半数を占めるようになった。
Internet advertising has come to account for more than half of total advertising costs.
~you ni naru (change of state).
彼女の作品は、現代アートの中で独自の地位を占めている。
Her work occupies a unique status in contemporary art.
Status/Status (chii).
睡眠不足が、交通事故の原因の多くを占めているという調査結果がある。
There are survey results showing that lack of sleep accounts for many causes of traffic accidents.
Reporting survey results.
その政党は議会で圧倒的な多数を占めた。
The political party occupied an overwhelming majority in the parliament.
Political majority.
感情が理性を占めてしまい、冷静な判断ができなかった。
Emotions occupied my reason, and I couldn't make a calm judgment.
~te shimau (regret/completion).
その哲学者の思想は、当時の知識層の間で支配的な地位を占めていた。
The philosopher's thoughts occupied a dominant position among the intellectuals of the time.
Intellectual history context.
都市開発において、緑地が占める役割の重要性が再認識されている。
In urban development, the importance of the role that green spaces occupy is being recognized again.
Formal academic tone.
伝統文化が人々のアイデンティティに占める比率は、計り知れない。
The ratio that traditional culture occupies in people's identity is immeasurable.
Abstract sociological concept.
新興勢力が市場の大部分を占めるに至り、既存の企業は苦境に立たされた。
As emerging forces came to occupy most of the market, existing companies were put in a difficult situation.
~ni itari (reaching a point).
彼の脳裏を、過去の失敗の記憶が占めて離れなかった。
Memories of past failures occupied his mind and wouldn't leave.
Literary expression 'nouri' (mind).
この条約は、国際法体系の中で極めて重要な位置を占めている。
This treaty occupies an extremely important position within the international legal system.
Legal/Diplomatic context.
少子高齢化が社会保障費に占める圧迫は年々強まっている。
The pressure that the declining birthrate and aging population occupy in social security costs is strengthening year by year.
Complex abstract subject.
沈黙がその場を占め、誰も口を開こうとしなかった。
Silence occupied the place, and no one tried to open their mouth.
Personification of silence.
地政学的な観点から、その海域は戦略的に枢要な位置を占めている。
From a geopolitical perspective, that sea area occupies a strategically pivotal position.
High-level geopolitical terminology.
彼の文体において、隠喩が占める比重は他の追随を許さない。
In his writing style, the weight that metaphors occupy is unparalleled.
Literary criticism.
資本主義が現代社会の根幹を占めるに至った経緯を考察する。
We will consider the process by which capitalism came to occupy the foundation of modern society.
Academic thesis style.
その王朝は、数世紀にわたって広大な版図を占めていた。
The dynasty occupied a vast territory over several centuries.
Historical 'hanto' (territory).
無意識が人間の行動に占める領域は、意識的な選択よりもはるかに広い。
The realm that the unconscious occupies in human behavior is far wider than conscious choices.
Psychological theory.
この発見は、物理学の歴史において不朽の地位を占めるだろう。
This discovery will occupy an immortal status in the history of physics.
Predictive 'darou' in formal context.
言論の自由が民主主義の構成要素として占める不可欠性は論を俟たない。
The indispensability that freedom of speech occupies as a component of democracy is beyond argument.
Highly formal 'ron o matanai'.
虚無感が彼の魂の深淵を占め、もはや希望の光は見えなかった。
A sense of nihilism occupied the abyss of his soul, and the light of hope was no longer visible.
Poetic/Philosophical depth.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Often Confused With
Idioms & Expressions
Easily Confused
Sentence Patterns
How to Use It
It is more formal than 'aru' or 'iru' and implies a measured or defined portion.
Be careful with 閉める (close), 締める (tighten), 絞める (strangle).
- Using 'ni' instead of 'o' for the space.
- Writing 閉める when you mean 'occupy'.
- Using it for 'closing' a business (use 閉める or 閉鎖する).
- Confusing with 'shimaru' (intransitive 'to close').
- Using it for 'taking' an object like a pen (use 取る).
Tips
Te-iru Form
Always use 'shimete iru' when describing a current, ongoing state of occupation.
Business Pro
Pair it with 'shea' (share) to talk about market dominance.
Stroke Order
The top part is 'divination' and the bottom is 'mouth.' 5 strokes total.
Abstract Use
Don't forget it can be used for thoughts and feelings occupying your mind.
vs. Kousei suru
Use 'shimeru' for the part's size, 'kousei suru' for the whole's structure.
News Keywords
If you hear a percentage, expect 'shimeru' to follow soon.
Natural Flow
Use 'daibubun o shimeru' (occupies the majority) to sound like a native speaker.
Kanji Precision
Double-check you aren't using the kanji for 'close' (閉) by mistake.
Geography
Great for describing Japan's land use (forests, mountains, cities).
The Flag Image
Imagine planting a flag to 'occupy' a spot on a pie chart.
Memorize It
Word Origin
The kanji 占 combines 'divination' (卜) and 'mouth' (口). It originally referred to declaring a territory or fate based on divine signs. This evolved into the meaning of 'taking' or 'occupying' a space.
Cultural Context
Used to discuss the 'silver democracy' where elderly people occupy a large portion of the voting block.
Used extensively in quarterly reports and market analysis.
Commonly used to describe Japan's mountainous terrain.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Conversation Starters
"あなたの部屋で、何が一番場所を占めていますか？ (What takes up the most space in your room?)"
"今のあなたの心の中で、一番大きな割合を占めていることは何ですか？ (What is occupying the largest part of your heart right now?)"
"日本の輸出において、車はどのくらいの割合を占めていると思いますか？ (What percentage do you think cars account for in Japan's exports?)"
"仕事とプライベート、どちらが生活の多くを占めていますか？ (Which occupies more of your life, work or private time?)"
"この街では、どの産業が中心を占めていますか？ (Which industry occupies the center of this town?)"
Journal Prompts
今日一日の中で、何が一番時間を占めましたか？ (What took up the most time today?)
将来、どのような地位を占めたいですか？ (What kind of position do you want to occupy in the future?)
自分の部屋の家具の配置について、何が場所を占めているか書いてください。 (Write about your furniture layout and what takes up space.)
現代社会でインターネットが占める役割についてどう思いますか？ (What do you think about the role the internet occupies in modern society?)
あなたの趣味は、あなたの人生のどのくらいを占めていますか？ (How much of your life does your hobby occupy?)
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, for example, 'Women occupy 50% of the company.' It refers to their proportion in a group.
It is used in both daily life and formal contexts, but it is very common in formal reports.
'Toru' is the act of taking something. 'Shimeru' is the state of occupying a space or being a part of a whole.
You say '20% (ni-juu paasento) o shimeru'.
Yes, but 'senryou suru' (占領する) is more common for military occupation.
The kanji 占 is N3 level and relatively simple with only 5 strokes.
Yes, 'This task occupies most of my day' is a perfect use case.
The object being occupied takes the particle 'o' (を).
Yes, to describe teams holding top positions in a league.
No, that is a different kanji (閉める) despite the same pronunciation.
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Summary
占める (shimeru) is the go-to verb for expressing 'proportion' and 'occupation.' Whether you are talking about a big sofa in a small room or a company's market share, this verb describes how much of the 'whole' is taken up by the 'part.'
- Occupies physical space (e.g., furniture in a room).
- Accounts for percentages/ratios (e.g., 50% of the market).
- Holds positions or ranks (e.g., top of the class).
- Used for abstract dominance (e.g., thoughts in the mind).
Te-iru Form
Always use 'shimete iru' when describing a current, ongoing state of occupation.
Business Pro
Pair it with 'shea' (share) to talk about market dominance.
Stroke Order
The top part is 'divination' and the bottom is 'mouth.' 5 strokes total.
Abstract Use
Don't forget it can be used for thoughts and feelings occupying your mind.
Example
この国の輸出の半分を自動車が占めている。
Related Content
More statistics words
偏り
B1A lack of balance or fairness; bias or skew. It refers to a state where something is weighted more heavily in one direction.
相関
B2A mutual relationship or connection between two or more things, where a change in one coincides with a change in the other.
誤差
B2The difference between an estimated or calculated value and the actual or true value. Important for discussing accuracy in experiments.
過半数
B2A majority; more than half of the total number. Specifically used in elections, voting, or describing data proportions.
割合
B1The quantitative relation between two amounts showing the number of times one value contains or is contained within the other; proportion or ratio.
回帰
B2To return to an original state or origin. In statistics, it refers to 'regression analysis,' which is used to model the relationship between variables.
