座る
suwaru
/sɯˈwɐ.ɾɯ/
Definition
To sit down; to take a seat.
Example
彼女はベンチに座って本を読んだ。
Show translation
She sat on the bench and read a book.
Etymology
From classical Japanese 据わる (*suwaru*), rooted in the verb 据える (*sueru*, "to place/set something firmly"). The core idea is of the body being set firmly in place — a vivid image of grounding oneself.
Cultural note
In Japan, *how* you sit carries social weight. Sitting in *seiza* (正座) — kneeling upright on the floor with legs folded under — is the formal posture for tatami rooms, tea ceremonies, and traditional apologies. On public transport, sitting with good posture and not sprawling is considered polite. Manspreading (足を広げて座ること) is frowned upon and occasionally signposted against on trains.