Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "To sit" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "to sit", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
すわる
すわる (suwaru)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
座る
すわる (suwaru)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "to sit" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between すわる and 座る.
In Japanese, すわる (すわる (suwaru)) is typically associated with "to sit" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Used for taking a seat. Often followed by に to indicate the location of sitting..
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 "to sit" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "すわる"
疲れたので、椅子に座ります。
I'm tired, so I'll 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: "疲れたので、椅子に座ります。" (Meaning: "I'm tired, so I'll sit on the chair.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "すわる" fits here because it means "to sit" in the context of: "I'm tired, so I'll sit on the chair.". "座る" represents "to sit".