Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Sit" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "sit", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
座ります
すわります (suwarimasu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
座る
すわる (suwaru)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "sit" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 座ります and 座る.
In Japanese, 座ります (すわります (suwarimasu)) is typically associated with "to sit" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Polite form of 座る. Used to express the action of sitting down..
On the other hand, 座る (すわる (suwaru)) maps to "to sit" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Intransitive verb. Refers to changing from a standing position to a sitting one, or remaining in a sitting position. Often used with に for the place of sitting.. A literal translation of "sit" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "座ります"
椅子に座ります。
I sit on the chair.
Bilingual Context for "座る"
椅子に座ってください。
Please sit on the chair.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "椅子に ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "I sit on the chair.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "座ります" fits here because it means "to sit" in the context of: "I sit on the chair.". "座る" represents "to sit".