Translation guide
The most respected or important seat in a room, vehicle, or at a table, often determined by cultural rules about hierarchy and status.
The seat of honor in a traditional Japanese room with tatami and an alcove (tokonoma).
The seat of honor, typically the one farthest from the entrance and in front of the tokonoma (alcove). Used in formal settings.
お客様を上座に案内してください。
Please guide the guest to the seat of honor.
To sit in the seat of honor. Often used when explaining seating etiquette.
目上の人が上座に座ります。
The superior person sits in the seat of honor.
The most honored seat in a vehicle, usually the rear seat behind the front passenger.
The seat of honor in a car. Typically the rear seat behind the front passenger, as it is the safest and most comfortable.
車の上座は運転席の後ろです。
The seat of honor in a car is behind the driver's seat.
The most important seat at a dining table, often the one farthest from the door or with the best view.
The seat of honor at a dining table. In Japanese homes, it is often the seat farthest from the kitchen or entrance.
父はいつも食卓の上座に座ります。
My father always sits at the head of the table.
Any seat reserved for the most important person, not tied to a specific location.
A special or VIP seat, often used for events or performances. Less formal than 上座.
彼はいつも会議で特等席に座る。
He always sits in the best seat at meetings.
A seat of honor in a more abstract or ceremonial sense. Used in formal speeches or writings.
彼は名誉ある席に招待された。
He was invited to a seat of honor.
上座 is the seat of honor, while 下座 (しもざ) is the lowest seat, typically near the entrance. Knowing both is essential for proper seating etiquette.
In a washitsu, the 上座 is usually the seat farthest from the entrance, often in front of the tokonoma. In a car, it's the rear seat behind the front passenger. In a taxi, however, the seat behind the driver is considered the 上座 because it's easier for the driver to assist the passenger.