Quick answer
座 is the kanji for "Sit". The most common reading is すわ.る (suwaru). Mnemonics and example sentences are listed below.
Meaning
Sit
Also : Seat · Squat · Cushion · Gathering
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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
10 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 座 represents 'SQUAT'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of squat.
On-reading: ざ — remember this sound by associating it with squat. Kun-reading: すわ.る.
Example Sentences
電車の中で席に座りました。
でんしゃのなかでせきにすわりました。
I sat in a seat on the train.
正座して待ちました。
せいざしてまちました。
I sat formally and waited.
Vocabulary using 座
Grammar to study at this level
- [Verb dictionary/nai form] + ように～ように (you ni) - So that
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことにする～ことにする (koto ni suru) - Decide to
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことになる～ことになる (koto ni naru) - It has been decided that
- [Noun/Verb te-form] + ばかり～ばかり (bakari) - Only / Nothing but
- [Verb/Adjective plain form] + はずだ～はずだ (hazu da) - Should be / It is expected
Last updated Jun 11, 2026
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