Translation guide
To live or dwell in a place, often with a formal or legal nuance. Japanese distinguishes between general living, formal residence, and temporary stays.
To have one's home in a place; to live somewhere on a regular basis.
The most common and neutral verb for 'to live' or 'to reside' in a place. Used for where one's home is.
私は東京に住んでいます。
I reside in Tokyo.
He says he wants to live in the countryside.
Emphasizes daily life and the passage of time in a place. Often used for lifestyle or long-term living.
She resides elegantly in Paris.
To officially reside somewhere, often for legal, administrative, or formal purposes.
Formal term used in legal, official, or administrative contexts. Implies having a registered domicile.
Foreigners need a qualification to reside in Japan.
Often used in profiles or descriptions to indicate current residence, e.g., 'Tokyo resident'. Slightly formal.
He currently resides in London.
To stay or reside temporarily, such as in a hotel or during a trip.
To exist or be situated in a place, often used in a poetic or abstract sense.
Literary or poetic term meaning to dwell within, inhabit, or be harbored. Often used for spirits, feelings, or abstract qualities.
It is said that spirits reside in this forest.
住む is the general verb for living somewhere. 暮らす focuses on daily life and lifestyle. 居住する is formal and used in legal/official contexts. Choose based on the nuance you want to convey.
I live in Tokyo. (neutral)
I enjoy living in Tokyo. (lifestyle focus)
I have the right to reside in Tokyo. (legal)
In everyday conversation, using 居住する or 在住する can sound overly formal or stiff. Stick to 住む or 暮らす unless the context requires formality.
I'm staying (residing temporarily) at a friend's house.