隅
sumi
The Japanese word for corner is 隅 (sumi). Wiktionary also lists コーナー (kōnā).
Meaning: space in the angle between converging lines or walls (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 隅 | sumi | |
| コーナー | kōnā | [ko̞ːna̠ː] (narrow) |
隅 refers to the space in the angle between converging lines or walls. Beyond physical intersections, it can be used metaphorically to refer to the edges or extremities of a concept or a physical object.
Which one should you use?
While 隅 refers to a physical geometric corner or a nook, the loanword コーナー is typically used for specific designated areas or sections, such as a 'reading corner' or a 'corner of a shop'.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the suffix っこ to 隅 creates the colloquial form 隅っこ, which is a common way to refer to a small corner or a cozy nook.
How do you pronounce it?
sumi
Did you know?
- The phrase 隅に置けない (sumi ni okenai), which literally means 'cannot be placed in a corner', is a common idiom used to describe someone who is more capable or clever than they appear.
- While 隅 describes the nook, the word 角 (kado) is used for the sharp outside edge of a corner. Using 隅 to describe a sharp street corner would be considered a mistake.
- In Japanese pop culture, the character mascot 'Sumikko Gurashi' derives its name from the word 隅っこ, meaning 'living in the corners', personifying characters that love being in nooks.
Examples in context
- 隅っこに置いといて。Put it in the corner.This sentence is useful for learning how to use 隅 when giving a command to place something.Tatoeba #11741570 by small_snow, translation #10762326 by ddnktr
- トムは部屋の隅に立っている。Tom is standing in the corner of the room.This sentence is useful for describing a person's position using 隅.Tatoeba #2048914 by bunbuku, translation #1877493 by CK
- 隅のテーブルをお願いできますか。Could we have a table in the corner?This sentence is useful for making a request for a table in a specific location using 隅.Tatoeba #10758932 by bunbuku, translation #18124 by CK
- 私たちは会議のあと、左の角を曲がります。We will turn at the left corner after the meeting.
- あの公園の四つ角のところで待ち合わせましょう。Let's meet at the corner of that park.
- 駅の出口のすぐそばの角にコンビニがあります。There is a convenience store right next to the station exit on the corner.
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are cleaning a small room together.
- 蓮 Ren部屋の隅にホコリが溜まっているよ。Heya no sumi ni hokori ga tamatte iru yo.Dust is accumulating in the corner of the room.
- 陽葵 Himari本当だ。掃除機で吸い取らなきゃ。Hontou da. Soujiki de suitoranakya.You're right. I have to vacuum it up.
- 蓮 Ren陽葵、その隅の方を重点的にやって。Himari, sono sumi no hou o juutenteki ni yatte.Himari, please focus on that corner.
- 陽葵 Himariわかった、やってみるね。Wakatta, yatte miru ne.Okay, I'll try.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “corner” translations and entries 隅, コーナー, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
