Japanese word

腰掛ける

Pronunciation

Romajikoshikakeru

Meaning

  • verbsit down

Example

椅子に腰掛けます。i su ni koshi ka ke ma su

I sit down on the chair.

Illustration for 腰掛ける (sit down)

More examples

先生が来るまで、こちらに腰掛けてお待ちください。sen sei ga ku ru ma de ko chi ra ni koshi ka ke te o ma chi ku da sa i

Please sit here and wait until the teacher comes.

Core concept

Describes lowering the body onto a seat and remaining seated there, often with a chair or bench in mind.

Common phrases

  • 椅子に腰掛けるi su ni koshi ka ke ru

    sit down on a chair

  • ベンチに腰掛けるbe n chi ni koshi ka ke ru

    sit down on a bench

Similar words

座るsuwaru: To be in a seated position, whether on a chair, bench, or another surface.
着席するchakusekisuru: To sit down in a setting where taking one's seat follows an established arrangement.

Definition in Japanese

椅子やベンチなどに腰を下ろして座る。i su ya be n chi na do ni koshi o o ro shi te suwa ru

Word origin

Combines 腰 (koshi, "waist or hips") and 掛ける (kakeru, "to hang or place on"), describing the hips being placed on a seat.

Usage tips

  • Unlike the broad verb 座る (suwaru), 腰掛ける (koshikakeru) commonly suggests sitting on a chair, bench, or other raised seat and can sound more formal.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word