Quick answer
住 is the kanji for "to live". The most common reading is す.む (sumu). Mnemonics and example sentences are listed below.
Meaning
to live
Also : to dwell · to reside
Learn 住 with SRS
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Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
7 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 住 represents 'DWELL'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of dwell.
On-reading: じゅう — remember this sound by associating it with dwell. Kun-reading: す.む.
Example Sentences
大阪に住んで三年になります。
おおさかにすんでさんねんになります。
It's been three years since I moved to Osaka.
住みやすい街を探しています。
すみやすいまちをさがしています。
I'm looking for a livable city.
Vocabulary using 住
Grammar to study at this level
Last updated Jul 22, 2026
Learn 住 with Spaced Repetition
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