Japanese word

椅子

Pronunciation

Romajiisu

Meaning

  • nounchair

Example

ここに椅子があります。ko ko ni i su ga a ri ma su

There is a chair here.

Illustration for 椅子 (chair)

More examples

妹は椅子を運びます。imōto wa i su o hako bi ma su

My younger sister carries a chair.

この椅子は少し高いので、子どもには使いにくいです。ko no i su wa suko shi taka i no de ko do mo ni wa tsuka i ni ku i de su

This chair is a little high, so it is difficult for children to use.

Core concept

Names a separate piece of furniture that supports a person in a seated position, usually with a back and legs.

Common phrases

  • 椅子に座るi su ni suwa ru

    sit on a chair

  • 椅子を並べるi su o nara be ru

    arrange chairs

  • 椅子を片付けるi su o kata zu ke ru

    put away a chair

Similar words

腰掛けkoshikake: A simple seat or piece of furniture used for sitting.
スツールsutsūru: A seat for one person that usually has no back or arms.

Definition in Japanese

人が腰を下ろして座るために使う家具。hito ga koshi o o ro shi te suwa ru ta me ni tsuka u ka gu

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese noun 椅子 (isu, "chair") is borrowed from Chinese, where 椅 (yǐ, "chair") combines with 子 (zi, a noun suffix).

Usage tips

  • The word 椅子 (isu) often appears alongside 机 (tsukue) in descriptions of classrooms, making a chair and a desk a useful everyday pair for beginners.

Other meanings

  • seatnoun
  • stoolnoun

Word lists with this word