Japanese word

座

Pronunciation

Romajiza

Meaning

  • nounposition

Example

代表の座を弟に譲ります。dai hyō no za o otōto ni yuzu ri ma su

I give the position of representative to my younger brother.

Illustration for 座 (position)

More examples

彼は努力を重ねて、ようやく監督の座を得ました。kare wa do ryoku o kasa ne te yō ya ku kan toku no za o e ma shi ta

After making great efforts, he finally obtained the position of manager.

Core concept

It denotes the place or role that a person occupies, from a physical seat to a position in an organization.

Common phrases

  • 座を守るza o mamo ru

    retain one's position

  • 座を譲るza o yuzu ru

    give up one's position

  • 座を占めるza o shi me ru

    hold a position

Similar words

席seki: A place or role assigned to a person in a group or organization.
地位chii: The level of respect or authority held by a person.
立場tachiba: A person's position in a particular situation or relationship.
役職yakushoku: A formal position that carries specific duties and authority.

Definition in Japanese

人が座る場所や、組織・集団の中で占める立場。hito ga suwa ru ba sho ya so shiki shū dan no naka de shi me ru tachi ba

Word origin

As a Sino-Japanese word, 座 (za, "seat") uses the kanji 座 (za, "seat"), borrowed from Chinese 座 with the related meaning of a place or position.

Usage tips

  • For an everyday physical seat, Japanese usually uses 席 (seki), while 座 (za) sounds more formal or literary.

Other meanings

  • seatnoun

Word lists with this word