The essential action of lowering oneself into a seated position.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To lower the body into a seated position.
- Used for chairs, floors, or ground.
- Commonly used in daily life.
Overview
- 1概要：「座る」は、立っている状態から腰を下ろして安定した姿勢をとる動作を指す基本的な動詞です。人だけでなく、動物が腰を下ろす際にも使われます。2) 使用パターン：場所を表す助詞「に」とともに使われ、「椅子に座る」「床に座る」のように表現します。また、動作の完了や状態の継続を表す「座っている」という形もよく使われます。3) 一般的な文脈：日常生活のあらゆる場面で使われます。電車やバスで席を譲る際や、会議で席に着く際、あるいはリラックスして地面に座る際など、非常に汎用性が高いです。4) 類語との比較：「腰掛ける」は椅子などに浅く腰を下ろすというニュアンスが強く、「座る」よりも少し改まった印象を与えます。「着席する」は、会議や式典などで自分の席に座るという、より公的で硬い表現です。日常会話では「座る」が最も一般的です。
Examples
椅子に座る。
everydaySit on the chair.
こちらにお掛けください。
formalPlease take a seat here.
床に座って話そう。
informalLet's sit on the floor and talk.
参加者は指定の席に座った。
academicThe participants sat in their assigned seats.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
座り心地がいい
Comfortable to sit on
あぐらをかく
Sit cross-legged
正座をする
Sit in the formal Japanese style
Often Confused With
This implies sitting lightly or briefly, often on a chair or edge. It sounds slightly more refined than 'suwaru'.
This is a formal, Sino-Japanese compound used in business or academic settings. It means 'to take one's assigned seat'.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use 'suwaru' for general sitting. For polite settings, use 'okake kudasai'. Avoid 'osuwari' with people as it is for animals.
Common Mistakes
Using 'de' instead of 'ni' for the location is a common error. Also, learners sometimes use 'osuwari' inappropriately with people.
Tips
Use 'ni' for the location
Always use the particle 'ni' to indicate the surface you are sitting on. For example, 'isu ni suwaru' for sitting on a chair.
Avoid 'osuwari' with people
Never use 'osuwari' to tell a person to sit, as it is strictly for training pets. Use 'suwatte kudasai' or 'okake kudasai' instead.
Seiza and floor culture
In Japan, sitting on the floor (tatami) is common. 'Seiza' is the formal way of sitting with legs folded underneath.
Word Origin
Derived from the ancient Japanese verb 'suwaru', which originally meant to settle down or stabilize. It evolved to specifically refer to the action of placing one's hips on a surface.
Cultural Context
Sitting on the floor is deeply rooted in Japanese culture due to tatami mats. Proper posture is often expected in formal settings.
Memory Tip
Imagine yourself 'swaying' (suwa-) down into a chair. It helps to associate the sound with the physical motion.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「座る」は床や椅子など場所を問わず広く使われる一般的な表現です。「腰掛ける」は椅子や段差などに浅く座るというニュアンスがあり、少し丁寧な響きがあります。
「座る」は動作そのものを指しますが、「座っている」は座った状態が継続していることを表します。現在進行中の状態を説明する際は「座っている」を使います。
はい、言います。ただし、特定の座り方を強調したい場合は「正座をする」という表現が使われます。
いいえ、人に対して「お座り」と言うと非常に失礼です。これは主に犬などのペットに対して使う命令形なので、人には「お座りください」と丁寧な表現を使いましょう。
Test Yourself
椅子___座ってください。
座る場所を示すときは助詞の「に」を使います。
電車で空いている席に...
過去の動作なので「座りました」が適切です。
（床に / 座る / 私は / ）
日本語の語順は「主語＋場所＋動詞」が基本です。
Score: /3
Summary
The essential action of lowering oneself into a seated position.
- To lower the body into a seated position.
- Used for chairs, floors, or ground.
- Commonly used in daily life.
Use 'ni' for the location
Always use the particle 'ni' to indicate the surface you are sitting on. For example, 'isu ni suwaru' for sitting on a chair.
Avoid 'osuwari' with people
Never use 'osuwari' to tell a person to sit, as it is strictly for training pets. Use 'suwatte kudasai' or 'okake kudasai' instead.
Seiza and floor culture
In Japan, sitting on the floor (tatami) is common. 'Seiza' is the formal way of sitting with legs folded underneath.
Examples
4 of 4椅子に座る。
Sit on the chair.
こちらにお掛けください。
Please take a seat here.
床に座って話そう。
Let's sit on the floor and talk.
参加者は指定の席に座った。
The participants sat in their assigned seats.
Related Content
Related Vocabulary
More general words
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.
ごろ
A2About, approximately (time).
うえ
A2At a higher position than.
絶対
B1Absolutely; definitely; never.
絶対に
B1Absolutely; definitely.
