座る
suwaru[sɨβ̞a̠ɾɯ̟]
The English phrase "sit down" is expressed in Japanese as 座る (suwaru). Wiktionary also lists 腰掛ける (koshikakeru).
Meaning: to assume a sitting position from a standing position (verb)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 座る | suwaru | [sɨβ̞a̠ɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 腰掛ける | koshikakeru | [ko̞ɕi̥ka̠ke̞ɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
Both verbs are used to describe the act of assuming a sitting position from a standing position. 座る is the general verb for the action of sitting, while 腰掛ける is used more specifically to describe the physical action of lowering oneself onto a seat such as a chair or a bench.
Which one should you use?
座る is the standard, general-purpose verb for sitting. In contrast, 腰掛ける specifically emphasizes the physical movement of lowering oneself onto a seat.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a casual or informal request, you can use 座って or ちょっと座って to mean "sit down for a moment". A standard polite request is 座ってください. In formal business or hospitality settings, it is better to use the honorific form お掛けください.
How do you pronounce it?
suwaru
What mistakes should you avoid?
Instead, use the polite 座ってください.
Did you know?
- The verb 掛ける in 腰掛ける is the same verb used for 'hanging' a coat or 'putting on' glasses, showing how Japanese describes the way your weight is supported by an object.
- In Japanese, the concept of 'sitting' can be tied to social standing. In traditional settings, the way you sit (such as 'seiza' or kneeling) is just as important as the verb you use to describe the action.
- Historically, where a person was permitted to 座る in a room indicated their exact social rank relative to the head of the household.
Examples in context
- そのソファーに座るな。Don't sit down on the sofa.This sentence is useful for learning how to use 座る in a negative command regarding a sofa.Tatoeba #212999 by small_snow, translation #50284 by CK
- ナップザックを背負った中年の女性が一人、座るところを探しているようだった。A middle-aged woman with a knapsack on her back seemed to be looking for a place to sit down.This sentence shows how to use 座る when describing someone looking for a place to sit.Tatoeba #3613781 by arnab, translation #1910427 by CK
- 「どうぞ、座って下さい」と言われてから、椅子に座る。After being told, "Please, sit down," I sit in the chair.This sentence demonstrates how to use 座る in response to an invitation to sit.Tatoeba #75018 by fcbond, translation #328701 by fcbond
Example conversation
A couple is resting at a park bench.
- 陽太 Yota陽葵、そこに座る？Himari, soko ni suwaru?Himari, will you sit there?
- 陽葵 Himariうん、ここに座るね。Un, koko ni suwaru ne.Yeah, I'll sit here.
- 陽太 Yotaじゃあ、僕も隣に座るよ。Jaa, boku mo tonari ni suwaru yo.Then, I'll sit next to you.
- 陽葵 Himariありがとう、陽太。Arigatou, Youta.Thanks, Youta.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sit down” translations and entries 座る, 腰掛ける, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
