Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Sit" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "sit", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
座る
すわる (suwaru)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
畏まる
かしこまる (kashikomaru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "sit" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 座る and 畏まる.
In Japanese, 座る (すわる (suwaru)) is typically associated with "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..
On the other hand, 畏まる (かしこまる (kashikomaru)) maps to "to sit/act respectfully; to obey with awe; to be stiff/formal" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 目上の人に対して、かしこまった態度をとったり、謹んで言いつけを受けたりする様子を表します。非常に丁寧な態度です。. A literal translation of "sit" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "座る"
椅子に座ってください。
Please sit on the chair.
Bilingual Context for "畏まる"
部長の前では、彼はいつも畏まって話す。
In front of the department manager, he always speaks with great respect.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "椅子に座ってください。" (Meaning: "Please sit on the chair.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "座る" fits here because it means "to sit" in the context of: "Please sit on the chair.". "畏まる" represents "to sit/act respectfully; to obey with awe; to be stiff/formal".