Explanation at your level:
Hello! Today we learn the word 座る (suwaru). It means 'to sit'. When you want to rest, you sit down. You can sit on a chair. You can sit on the floor. The word is 座ります (suwarimasu) in polite talk. For example, 'I sit.' is 座ります (suwarimasu). If you want to tell someone to sit, you say 座ってください (suwatte kudasai). This is very useful! You use it when you want to rest your body.
This lesson is about the verb 座る (suwaru), meaning 'to sit down'. It's a very common action! You use suwaru when you move your body to rest on a seat, like a chair (椅子 - isu) or a bench. The polite form is 座ります (suwarimasu). For example, 'Please sit here' is ここにお座りください (koko ni o-suwari kudasai). You can also say 'I am sitting' using the -te iru form: 座っています (suwatte imasu).
We're looking at the verb 座る (suwaru), meaning 'to sit down'. This is a fundamental verb for describing everyday actions. The polite form is 座ります (suwarimasu), and the casual form is suwaru. You'll use it frequently when giving instructions, like どうぞお座りください (dōzo o-suwari kudasai) - 'Please, have a seat.' or describing your own actions: 私はソファに座ります (Watashi wa sofa ni suwarimasu) - 'I will sit on the sofa.'
Consider the nuance: 腰掛ける (koshikakeru) is similar but often implies a more temporary or casual sit, like perching. Suwaru is the general term for taking a seated position.
The verb 座る (suwaru), meaning 'to sit down', is a cornerstone of Japanese vocabulary. Its polite form is 座ります (suwarimasu). Beyond the basic meaning, understanding its usage in different contexts is key. For instance, when inviting someone, お座りください (o-suwari kudasai) is a polite invitation. In casual settings, 座って (suwatte) is the command form.
Pay attention to particles: 椅子に座る (isu ni suwaru) uses 'ni' to mark the location of sitting. The verb can also be used in more abstract senses, like 'to take a seat' in a formal meeting (席に着く - seki ni tsuku is also common here). Understanding the difference between suwaru and related verbs like 腰掛ける (koshikakeru - to perch) or もたれる (motareru - to lean against) adds nuance to your expression.
Mastering 座る (suwaru) involves appreciating its nuances and idiomatic uses. The standard polite form is 座ります (suwarimasu). While primarily denoting the physical act of sitting, its kanji 座 (za) lends itself to broader concepts of gathering and position. For example, 座が白ける (za ga shirakeru) describes a social atmosphere becoming dull, directly linking the 'seat' or 'gathering' to the mood.
Consider its use in formal invitations like お席にお座りください (oseki ni o-suwari kudasai), where it signifies taking one's designated place. The verb can also appear in contexts implying permanence or stubbornness, as in 居座る (izuaru), meaning to refuse to leave. Understanding these extensions of the core meaning requires cultural and linguistic context beyond simple translation.
The verb 座る (suwaru), and its polite form 座ります (suwarimasu), represents a fundamental human action. However, its depth is revealed through the etymology of its kanji 座 (za) and its integration into idiomatic expressions. The character's ancient depiction of a person on a mat underscores the historical significance of seated postures in Japanese culture, from Zen meditation to formal tea ceremonies.
Expressions like 座談会 (zadankai - round-table conference) or 座右の銘 (zau no mei - motto kept close at hand) showcase how 'za' extends beyond mere physical sitting to represent a state of being, a place of discussion, or a guiding principle. The verb itself, while seemingly simple, can be imbued with subtle implications of ownership (陣取る - jinzoru) or persistence (居座る - izuaru) depending on context and associated particles. Analyzing these layers provides a comprehensive understanding of the word's cultural and linguistic resonance.
Word in 30 Seconds
- 座る (suwaru) means 'to sit down'.
- Polite form is 座ります (suwarimasu).
- Used for sitting on chairs, floors, etc.
- Related to concepts of place, gathering, and posture.
Hey there! Let's dive into the super useful Japanese verb 座ります (座る), which means 'to sit down'. It's one of those everyday words you'll use all the time, whether you're at home, at school, or out with friends. Think about all the times you sit – on a chair, on the floor, on a sofa, or even on a park bench. This verb covers all those moments!
The dictionary form is 座る (suwaru), and the polite, everyday form is 座ります (suwarimasu). You'll hear and use this a lot when you're talking about resting your body in a seated position. It's a fundamental action, so mastering this verb is a big step in becoming more comfortable with Japanese!
The kanji 座 (za), which is the core of our verb, has a fascinating history. It originally depicted a person sitting on a mat or a platform. Over time, it evolved to represent the concept of sitting, a seat, or a gathering place. The verb 座る (suwaru) is built upon this kanji, literally meaning 'to perform the action of 'za''.
Interestingly, the kanji itself has roots in ancient Chinese pictograms. The character shows a person (represented by a figure) sitting on a base. This visual connection helps us understand the core meaning. The verb 'suwaru' likely developed as a natural extension of the noun 'za' (meaning seat or place). Think of it like how 'chair' in English can sometimes be used as a verb, like 'to chair a meeting'.
Historically, sitting on mats on the floor was very common in Japan, so the concept of 'sitting' was central to daily life. This verb, therefore, became deeply ingrained in the language. You can find similar characters and concepts in other East Asian languages, reflecting a shared cultural history around seating and gathering.
So, when do you whip out 座ります (suwarimasu)? Pretty much anytime you're talking about sitting! The most common scenario is inviting someone to sit: こちらにお座りください (Kochira ni o-suwari kudasai) - 'Please sit here.' You can also use it to describe yourself or someone else sitting: 私は椅子に座ります (Watashi wa isu ni suwarimasu) - 'I will sit on the chair.'
It’s important to know that while suwarimasu is the standard polite form, you'll also hear the plain form suwaru (座る) in casual conversation among friends or family. For example, 「ちょっと座って！」(Chotto suwatte!) - 'Sit down for a bit!' is very casual.
Key Collocations:
- 椅子に座る (isu ni suwaru): To sit on a chair.
- 床に座る (yuka ni suwaru): To sit on the floor.
- 隣に座る (tonari ni suwaru): To sit next to someone.
- 席に座る (seki ni suwaru): To take a seat (often in a formal setting like a theater or restaurant).
Remember, it’s a verb of action, describing the physical act of lowering yourself into a seated position.
While 座る (suwaru) itself is quite direct, the kanji 座 (za) appears in many interesting expressions! Here are a few:
1. 座が白ける (za ga shirakeru):
- Meaning: Literally 'the seat becomes pale/dull'. It means a gathering or party becomes awkward or loses its fun atmosphere, often due to a bad joke or an uncomfortable silence.
- Example: 彼のつまらない話で、座が白けてしまった。(Kare no tsumaranai hanashi de, za ga shirakete shimatta.) - 'Because of his boring story, the mood at the gathering became awkward.'
2. 座興 (zakkyō):
- Meaning: Entertainment or amusement provided at a gathering, often impromptu. It's something done for fun during a party or meeting.
- Example: 座興に歌を歌いました。(Zakkyō ni uta o utaimashita.) - 'I sang a song for entertainment at the gathering.'
3. 居座る (izuaru):
- Meaning: To linger, to overstay one's welcome, or to occupy a place stubbornly without leaving. It has a slightly negative connotation.
- Example: 彼は居座って、なかなか帰ろうとしなかった。(Kare wa izuwaru, nakanaka kaerou to shinakatta.) - 'He lingered and didn't seem to want to leave.'
4. 陣取る (jinzoru) - often used in similar contexts to sitting down to claim a spot:
- Meaning: To occupy a place or position, often for a long time or with a sense of claiming it. It's like 'setting up camp'.
- Example: ピクニックで良い場所を陣取った。(Pikunikku de yoi basho o jinzotta.) - 'We occupied a good spot for the picnic.'
5. 腰掛ける (koshikakeru):
- Meaning: To sit down, often in a temporary or casual way, like perching on the edge of something. It's very similar to 'suwaru' but can imply a less settled posture.
- Example: 疲れたので、ベンチに腰掛けた。(Tsukareta node, benchi ni koshikaketa.) - 'I was tired, so I sat down on the bench.'
Let's break down the grammar and sound of 座ります (suwarimasu)! The dictionary form is 座る (suwaru). This is a Group 1 (or 'u-verb') verb in Japanese. This means its conjugation follows a specific pattern.
Polite Form (Masu-form): To make it polite, you change the '-u' ending to '-i' and add 'masu'. So, 'suwaru' becomes 'suwarimasu'. This is the form you'll use in most everyday situations when speaking to people you don't know well, elders, or in formal settings.
Casual Form (Plain form): For friends and family, you just use the dictionary form: 座る (suwaru). To make it into a command (casual), you use the '-te' form: 座って (suwatte). For example, 「座って！」(Suwatte!) - 'Sit!'
Pronunciation (IPA):
- 座る (suwaru): /sɯ̈.wa.ɾɯ̈/
- 座ります (suwarimasu): /sɯ̈.wa.ɾi.ma.sɯ̈/
Notice the 'u' sound is often unvoiced, especially between voiceless consonants or at the end of words. It sounds a bit like 's' + 'wa' + 'ru' or 's' + 'wa' + 'ree-mah-s'.
Rhyming Words: While direct rhymes are tricky in Japanese due to syllable structure, words ending in '-aru' or '-waru' might share a similar feel, like 上がる (agaru - to rise) or 分かる (wakaru - to understand).
Stress Patterns: Japanese is generally pitch-accent based, not stress-based like English. The pitch pattern for 'suwarimasu' is relatively flat, with a slight rise and fall depending on the dialect.
Fun Fact
The concept of 'za' (座) is so important in Japanese culture that it appears in many expressions related to social gatherings, status, and even abstract concepts like 'motto' (座右の銘 - zau no mei).
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'soo-wah-ree-mahss', with the 'u' sounds often being very light or almost silent between consonants.
Similar to UK, 'soo-wah-ree-mahss'. The 'r' sound is more like the American 'd' in 'ladder'.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing the 'u' sound too strongly.
- Making the 'r' sound too harsh (should be a flap).
- Incorrect intonation or pitch accent.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to recognize, understanding nuance requires more effort.
Basic usage is straightforward, but idiomatic uses are harder.
Pronunciation is manageable, but choosing the right form (polite/casual) is key.
Recognizable in most contexts, but distinguishing from similar verbs needs practice.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Verb Conjugation (Masu-form)
suwaru -> suwarimasu
Verb Conjugation (-te form)
suwaru -> suwatte
Using Particles (に, で)
椅子に座る vs 公園で座る
Using ～てください
座ってください
Examples by Level
私は座ります。
I / sit.
Subject + Verb
椅子に座ります。
Chair / on / sit.
Location + Particle + Verb
座ってください。
Sit / please.
Verb (te-form) + Kudasai (Please)
ここで座ります。
Here / sit.
Place + Verb
座る。
To sit.
Dictionary form
座りません。
Sit / not.
Negative form
座りました。
Sat.
Past tense
座りたいです。
Sit / want to.
Verb stem + tai desu (want to)
どうぞ、こちらにお座りください。
Please, / here / sit / please.
Polite invitation
会議室で椅子に座りました。
Meeting room / in / chair / on / sat.
Location + Particle + Verb (past tense)
彼は床に座って本を読んでいます。
He / floor / on / sitting / book / reading / is.
Verb (te-form) + Verb (continuous)
疲れたので、少し座ってもいいですか？
Tired / because, / a little / sit / may I?
Request permission
あの席に座りたいです。
That / seat / want to sit.
Want to + Verb
子供たちは公園のベンチに座っていました。
Children / park / bench / on / were sitting.
Past continuous
危ないから、立っていてください。座らないで。
Dangerous / because, / stand / please. / Don't sit.
Negative command
新しい椅子に座るのは快適です。
New / chair / on / sitting / is comfortable.
Verb as noun (nominalization)
どうぞ、お好きなところにお座りください。
Please, / favorite / place / at / sit / please.
Polite invitation, flexible seating
彼はいつも一番良い席に座る癖がある。
He / always / best / seat / in / sits / habit / has.
Habitual action
長時間のフライトだったので、座っているのが苦痛でした。
Long-time / flight / because, / sitting / was painful.
Describing discomfort
会議が始まるまで、ロビーでお待ちください。席にお座りになるのはまだ早いです。
Meeting / starts / until, / lobby / in / please wait. / Seat / on / sit (honorific) / is still early.
Distinguishing waiting from sitting
彼女は隣に座った男性に話しかけた。
She / next to / sat / man / to / spoke.
Action following sitting
床に座って食事をするのは、日本の伝統的なスタイルです。
Floor / on / sit / eat / doing / is, / Japan's / traditional / style / is.
Cultural practice
彼の話を聞いているうちに、いつの間にか私も彼と同じ姿勢で座っていた。
His / talking / listening / while, / before I knew it / I too / him / same / posture / with / sat.
Unconscious imitation
このソファはとても座り心地が良い。
This / sofa / very / comfortable to sit / is good.
Describing comfort
会議が長引いたため、参加者たちは皆、疲労の色を隠せず、だらりと椅子に座っていた。
Meeting / dragged on / because, / participants / all, / fatigue / color / hide / could not, / limply / chair / on / were sitting.
Describing a state of being after prolonged action
彼は、重要な局面では感情を表に出さず、冷静に状況を見守るために、あえて一歩引いた場所に座る。
He, / important / situation / in / emotions / express / not, / calmly / situation / observe / in order to, / deliberately / one step back / place / sits.
Strategic positioning
その劇作家は、観客が物語に没入できるよう、意図的に舞台装置の配置と役者の座る位置を計算し尽くしていた。
That / playwright / audience / story / immerse / as possible, / intentionally / stage / set design / placement / actor's / sit / position / calculated / thoroughly.
Intentional placement in performance
昔は、客人を招いた際、床の間により近い上位の座に座ってもらうのが礼儀だった。
In the past, / guests / invited / when, / tokonoma / closer / higher-ranking / seat / sit / receive / was etiquette.
Traditional etiquette
彼は、議論の場では常に相手の意見を尊重し、すぐに反論せず、まずは相手の言葉を受け止めるために静かに座って聞く姿勢をとる。
He, / discussion / place / in / always / opponent's / opinion / respect, / immediately / rebut / not, / first / opponent's / words / accept / in order to / quietly / sit / listen / posture / takes.
Attentive listening posture
この歴史的建造物では、かつて高位の人物が座ったとされる場所に、特別な意味合いを持たせている。
This / historic / building / in, / once / high-ranking / person / sat / is said / place / special / meaning / give.
Significance of a specific seat
彼女は、新しいプロジェクトのキックオフミーティングで、リーダーシップを発揮するために、あえて一番前の中央の席に座った。
She, / new / project / kick-off meeting / in, / leadership / demonstrate / in order to, / deliberately / very front / center / seat / sat.
Asserting leadership through seating
長年連れ添った夫婦は、食卓でいつも同じ席に座るが、それは単なる習慣ではなく、互いの存在を確かめ合う無言のコミュニケーションでもある。
Many years / companion / married couple / dining table / at / always / same seat / sit, / but that / merely / habit / not, / each other's / existence / confirm / silent / communication / also / is.
Symbolism in routine
その政治家は、国民の声を真摯に受け止める姿勢を示すため、あえて演説台の後ろではなく、聴衆と同じ目線の高さの場所に座って語りかけた。
That / politician / people's / voices / sincerely / receive / posture / show / in order to, / deliberately / podium / behind / not, / audience / same / eye level / height / place / sat / spoke.
Symbolic seating for approachability
彼は、長年の研究の末、ついにその難問を解き明かし、学会の歴史に名を連ねる栄誉ある席に座ることになった。
He, / many years / research / end, / finally / that difficult problem / solve, / academic society / history / name / list / honorable / seat / sit / came to be.
Metaphorical 'seat' of honor
その芸術家は、創作に行き詰まると、意図的に普段とは違う場所に座り、新たな視点を得ようと試みる。
That / artist / creation / stuck / when, / intentionally / usually / different from / place / sits, / new / perspective / gain / try.
Using environment change for inspiration
彼は、組織の硬直化を憂い、若手にも発言の機会を与えるべく、会議の席順を意図的に変更し、あえて平易な場所に座った。
He, / organization's / rigidity / worry, / young people / also / speaking / opportunity / give / in order to, / meeting / seating order / intentionally / change, / deliberately / simple / place / sat.
Symbolic gesture of inclusivity
その小説では、主人公が人生の岐路に立ち、過去の栄光の座から転落する様が克明に描かれている。
That / novel / in, / protagonist / life's / crossroads / stand, / past / glory / seat / from / fall / manner / vividly / depicted / is.
Metaphorical fall from grace
彼女は、長年培ってきた専門知識を活かし、国際会議のパネリストとして、その分野における権威ある座に就いた。
She, / many years / cultivated / expertise / utilize, / international conference / panelist / as, / that field / in / authority / seat / took.
Achieving a position of authority
彼は、社会の不条理を告発するため、あえて法廷の傍聴席ではなく、被告人の隣の席に座るというパフォーマンスを行った。
He, / society's / absurdity / expose / in order to, / deliberately / courtroom / spectator seats / not, / defendant's / next to / seat / sit / performance / performed.
Symbolic act of solidarity/protest
その禅僧は、日々の瞑想において、一点の曇りもない澄み切った心境に至るために、ただ静かに座り続ける。
That / Zen monk / daily / meditation / in, / single point / cloud / no / clear / state of mind / reach / in order to, / just / quietly / sit / continue.
The practice of Zazen (sitting meditation)
彼は、権力の中枢に座しながらも、その座に安住することなく、常に改革の必要性を説き続けた。
He, / power / core / sit / while / that seat / contentedly / remain / not, / always / reform / necessity / preach / continued.
Holding power responsibly
その古典文学には、不遇の天才が、世捨て人のように人里離れた場所に座し、哲学的な思索にふける姿が描かれている。
That / classical literature / in, / unfortunate / genius / hermit / like / remote place / sit, / philosophical / contemplation / indulge / figure / depicted / is.
Literary depiction of isolation and thought
彼女は、長年にわたり築き上げてきた信頼と実績により、業界における第一人者としての揺るぎない座を確立した。
She, / many years / built up / trust / achievements / due to, / industry / in / foremost figure / as / unshakeable / seat / established.
Establishing a position of undisputed leadership
その儀式では、神官は神聖なる座に座し、古来より伝わる祝詞を奏上することで、神々との交信を試みる。
That / ritual / in, / priest / sacred / seat / sits, / ancient times / from / passed down / norito (shinto prayer) / recite / by doing, / gods / with / communication / attempt.
Ritualistic seating and prayer
彼は、自らの思想を広めるため、各地で講演会を開き、聴衆を魅了する雄弁さで、その場の座を支配した。
He, / own / ideas / spread / in order to, / various places / lectures / hold, / audience / captivate / eloquence / with, / that place / seat / dominated.
Commanding attention through oratory
その歴史的瞬間、彼は自らの運命を受け入れ、静かに運命の座に就いた。
That / historic moment, / he / own / destiny / accept, / quietly / fate's / seat / took.
Acceptance of fate
彼女は、伝統的な価値観に縛られることなく、自らの意志で新たな道を切り開き、誰も座ったことのない境地へと至った。
She, / traditional / values / by / bound / not, / own / will / new path / carve open, / no one / sat / never / state / reached.
Pioneering and breaking new ground
その哲学者は、万物の根源を探求するため、一切の執着を断ち切り、ただひたすらに「無」の座に静坐した。
That / philosopher / all things / origin / explore / in order to, / all / attachments / cut off, / just / earnestly / 'nothingness' / seat / quietly sat.
Asceticism and seeking enlightenment
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"座が白ける (za ga shirakeru)"
For a gathering or atmosphere to become awkward or lose its liveliness.
彼の無神経な発言で、パーティーの座が白けてしまった。(Kare no mushinkei na hatsugen de, pātī no za ga shirakete shimatta.)
neutral/casual"居座る (izuaru)"
To stay somewhere stubbornly, to overstay one's welcome, or to occupy a place without leaving.
彼は文句を言いながらも、なかなか帰らず居座った。(Kare wa monku o ii nagara mo, nakanaka kaerazu izuwatta.)
neutral/casual"座右の銘 (zau no mei)"
A motto or guiding principle that one keeps close by or always remembers.
私の座右の銘は「継続は力なり」です。(Watashi no zau no mei wa 'keizoku wa chikara nari' desu.)
formal/literary"座談会 (zadankai)"
A round-table discussion or conference.
著名な学者たちが集まり、座談会が開かれた。(Chomei na gakushatachi ga atsumari, zadankai ga hirakareta.)
formal"座を奪う (za o ubau)"
To usurp someone's position or take their place, especially in terms of status or recognition.
新人の活躍は、ベテランの座を奪うかもしれない。(Shinjin no katsuyaku wa, beteran no za o ubau kamoshirenai.)
neutral"腰を据える (koshi o sueru)"
To settle down, to commit oneself to something for a long period, to take a firm stance.
このプロジェクトには腰を据えて取り組む必要がある。(Kono purojekuto ni wa koshi o suete torikumu hitsuyō ga aru.)
neutralEasily Confused
Both mean 'to sit down'.
腰掛ける often implies a more temporary, casual, or perching-like action, while 座る is the general, all-purpose verb for sitting.
疲れたのでベンチに腰掛けた (koshikaketa - sat casually). 椅子に座ってください (suwatte kudasai - please sit, general instruction).
It's the direct opposite action.
立つ means 'to stand up', while 座る means 'to sit down'.
座ってください (Please sit). 立ってください (Please stand).
Both involve resting the body.
もたれる means 'to lean against' (a wall, a chair back), whereas 座る is about lowering oneself onto a seat.
壁にもたれる (lean against the wall). 椅子に座る (sit on the chair).
Both relate to taking a seat.
着席する is a formal term, often used in official announcements or written instructions, meaning 'to take one's seat'. 座る is the everyday verb.
皆様、ご着席ください (Formal announcement). 椅子に座ってください (Everyday instruction).
Sentence Patterns
Noun + に + 座る
私はソファに座ります。(I will sit on the sofa.)
Verb (te-form) + ください
どうぞ、座ってください。(Please, sit down.)
Verb (te-form) + います
彼は椅子に座っています。(He is sitting on the chair.)
Verb (dictionary form) + のは + Adjective
床に座るのは楽です。(Sitting on the floor is comfortable.)
Noun + を + 座る
This pattern is less common, but can be seen in specific contexts like 座を占める (za o shimeru - to occupy a seat/position).
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
Suwaru is specifically about sitting down, not resting against something.
Using the casual form in a formal setting can be impolite.
Particles can be tricky; 'ni' is more common for the direct object of sitting.
'Suwaru' is more general; formal situations often have specific terms.
The '-te iru' form emphasizes the ongoing state, which isn't always necessary.
Tips
Sound Association
Remember 'Sue' wants to 'war' (suwaru) when she sits!
Polite Invitation
When inviting someone, use 'どうぞお座りください' (Dōzo o-suwari kudasai) for a very polite touch.
Floor Sitting
Sitting on the floor (床に座る - yuka ni suwaru) is very common and acceptable in Japan, especially in traditional settings.
Particle Power
Remember to use the particle 'に' (ni) most often when indicating the location you are sitting on (e.g., 椅子に座る - isu ni suwaru).
Light 'U' Sound
Pay attention to the Japanese 'u' sound. It's often very light or unvoiced, especially in 'suwarimasu'.
Don't Confuse with Leaning
Avoid using 座る for leaning; use もたれる (motareru) instead.
Kanji's Visual Roots
The kanji 座 visually represents a person sitting on a mat, making the meaning intuitive.
Act It Out!
Practice saying the word and physically performing the action of sitting. This kinesthetic learning helps cement the meaning.
Continuous State
To say 'someone is sitting', use the -te iru form: 座っています (suwatte imasu).
Plain vs. Polite
Always use 座ります (suwarimasu) with people you don't know well. Use 座る (suwaru) or 座って (suwatte) with close friends and family.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine someone named 'Sue' who always wants to 'war' (sounds like 'waru') when asked to sit down. 'Sue-waru!'
Visual Association
Picture a person literally 'sitting' on the kanji '座'.
Word Web
Challenge
Try saying 'Please sit down' in Japanese 5 times: 座ってください (Suwatte kudasai).
Word Origin
Sino-Japanese (Kanji)
Original meaning: The kanji 座 originally depicted a person sitting on a mat or platform.
Cultural Context
While 'suwaru' is neutral, be mindful of context. In Japan, sitting directly on the floor (床に座る - yuka ni suwaru) is common, but in some Western contexts, it might be seen as informal or even rude depending on the situation.
In English, 'sit down' is a very direct verb. We also use phrases like 'take a seat', 'have a seat', or 'be seated'. The concept of 'taking one's seat' can imply status or formality.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At home / with friends
- 座って！ (Suwatte!) - Sit!
- 楽に座って。(Raku ni suwatte.) - Sit comfortably.
- どこに座る？ (Doko ni suwaru?) - Where will you sit?
In a restaurant / cafe
- お席にお座りください。(Oseki ni o-suwari kudasai.) - Please take your seat.
- 窓際の席に座りたいです。(Madogiwa no seki ni suwaritai desu.) - I want to sit by the window.
- 相席でもよろしいですか？ (Aiseki demo yoroshii desu ka?) - Is it okay to share a seat?
In formal settings (meetings, theater)
- ご着席ください。(Go-chakuseki kudasai.) - Please be seated.
- 指定された席にお座りください。(Shitei sareta seki ni o-suwari kudasai.) - Please sit in your assigned seat.
- 開演までお座りになってお待ちください。(Kaien made o-suwari ni natte o-machi kudasai.) - Please be seated and wait until the performance begins.
Describing actions
- 彼は静かに座っていた。(Kare wa shizuka ni suwatte ita.) - He was sitting quietly.
- 彼女は床に座り込んだ。(Kanojo wa yuka ni suwarikonda.) - She sat down firmly on the floor.
- 子供たちがベンチに座って遊んでいる。(Kodomo-tachi ga benchi ni suwatte asonde iru.) - The children are sitting on the bench playing.
Conversation Starters
"この椅子、座り心地がいいですね！(Kono isu, suwarigokochi ga ii desu ne!) - This chair is comfortable, isn't it!"
"どこに座りましょうか？ (Doko ni suwarimashou ka?) - Where shall we sit?"
"疲れたので、ちょっと座ってもいいですか？ (Tsukareta node, chotto suwatte mo ii desu ka?) - I'm tired, may I sit down for a bit?"
"昔はよく床に座って食事をしたものです。(Mukashi wa yoku yuka ni suwatte shokuji o shita mono desu.) - In the past, we often sat on the floor to eat."
"隣に座っても大丈夫ですか？ (Tonari ni suwatte mo daijoubu desu ka?) - Is it okay if I sit next to you?"
Journal Prompts
Describe your favorite place to sit and why.
Write about a time you had to sit for a very long time. How did you feel?
Think about the difference between sitting formally and casually. When do you use each?
Imagine you could have any seat in the world. Where would it be and why?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questions座る (suwaru) is the general verb for 'to sit down'. 腰掛ける (koshikakeru) often implies sitting in a more temporary or casual way, like perching on the edge of a chair or bench.
You can say 'どうぞお座りください' (Dōzo o-suwari kudasai) or simply '座ってください' (Suwatte kudasai).
Yes, absolutely. You can say '床に座る' (yuka ni suwaru) which means 'to sit on the floor'.
Yes, the most common opposite is 立つ (tatsu), meaning 'to stand'.
座る is the general verb. 着席する is a more formal term, often used in announcements, meaning 'to take one's seat'.
It means 'comfortable to sit in', describing a chair or sofa that feels pleasant to sit on.
You can use the -te iru form: 座っています (suwatte imasu).
Generally, no. However, related verbs like 居座る (izuaru) have negative meanings like 'to linger stubbornly'.
Test Yourself
私は椅子に ______。
The sentence means 'I ______ on the chair.' The correct verb for 'sit' is 座ります (suwarimasu).
Which Japanese word means 'to sit down'?
座る (suwaru) is the verb for 'to sit down'. 立つ means 'to stand', 走る means 'to run', and 読む means 'to read'.
The word 座ります (suwarimasu) is the casual form of 'to sit'.
座ります (suwarimasu) is the polite form. The casual form is 座る (suwaru).
Word
Meaning
These pairs match common phrases and their meanings related to sitting.
The correct polite phrase is 'どうぞお座りください' (Dōzo o-suwari kudasai), meaning 'Please, have a seat.'
長時間の会議で、皆 ______ 椅子に ______。
The context suggests people were tired after a long meeting and sat down heavily. '疲れて / 座り込んでいた' (tsukarete / suwarikonde ita) means 'tired / were sitting down firmly'.
Which phrase implies sitting down stubbornly or refusing to leave?
居座る (izuaru) specifically means to stay put stubbornly, often with a negative connotation.
The phrase 「座右の銘」 refers to:
座右の銘 (zau no mei) is a set phrase meaning one's personal motto or guiding principle.
その哲学者は、万物の根源を探求するため、一切の執着を断ち切り、ただひたすらに「無」の座に ______。
静坐する (seiza suru) means to sit quietly and meditate, fitting the context of a philosopher seeking enlightenment. 座り込む implies exhaustion, 腰掛ける is casual, and 着席する is formal seating.
Translate: 'He, while sitting at the core of power, did not rest contentedly in that seat but continuously preached the necessity of reform.'
This option accurately captures the nuance of holding power ('座しながらも'), not resting contentedly ('安住することなく'), and continuously advocating ('説き続けた').
Score: /10
Summary
Mastering 'suwaru' (to sit) is essential for describing everyday actions and interactions in Japanese.
- 座る (suwaru) means 'to sit down'.
- Polite form is 座ります (suwarimasu).
- Used for sitting on chairs, floors, etc.
- Related to concepts of place, gathering, and posture.
Sound Association
Remember 'Sue' wants to 'war' (suwaru) when she sits!
Polite Invitation
When inviting someone, use 'どうぞお座りください' (Dōzo o-suwari kudasai) for a very polite touch.
Floor Sitting
Sitting on the floor (床に座る - yuka ni suwaru) is very common and acceptable in Japan, especially in traditional settings.
Particle Power
Remember to use the particle 'に' (ni) most often when indicating the location you are sitting on (e.g., 椅子に座る - isu ni suwaru).
Example
ここに座ってください。
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More daily_life words
じゅうしょ
A2The particulars of the place where someone lives.
住所
A2address, residence
～後
A2after
目覚まし
B1Alarm clock. A clock that makes a noise to wake someone up.
目覚まし時計
B1An alarm clock.
もう少し
B1A little more.
ひとりで
A2Alone.
~のに
B1Even though; despite (particle/conjunction).
ごぜん
A2Morning (a.m.).
煩い
B1Noisy; annoying.
