Translation guide
The English verb "sit" covers several distinct actions and states in Japanese. The most common equivalents are 座る (to sit down, be seated), 腰を下ろす (to take a seat), and 座っている (to be sitting). The choice depends on whether you are describing the action of sitting down, the state of being seated, or idiomatic uses like sitting for an exam or a meeting.
Describing the movement from standing to sitting.
The most common verb for sitting down. Can also mean 'to be seated' in certain contexts. Intransitive.
Please sit down.
He sat down on the sofa.
Literally 'to lower one's hips'. A slightly more formal or descriptive way to say 'sit down'.
Please take a seat.
To take one's seat, often at a table or in a formal setting.
Everyone took their seats.
Describing the condition of being in a sitting position.
The te-iru form of 座る, indicating a continuous state. This is the standard way to say 'is sitting'.
Sitting in the traditional Japanese manner, such as seiza or cross-legged.
To sit in the formal kneeling position (seiza).
Taking a test or participating in a formal assessment.
Literally 'to take/receive an exam'. The standard phrase for sitting an exam.
Posing for an artist or photographer.
To be a model (for a painting, photo, etc.).
Being a member of a group or holding a role.
To serve as a committee member.
A bird perching or an animal resting on its haunches.
For birds perching on a branch, wire, etc.
An object being placed or located somewhere, often unused.
Describes something that has been placed and remains there.
The English phrase 'sit an exam' does not translate to 座る. Use 試験を受ける (しけんをうける) instead. Saying 試験に座る is incorrect and confusing.
座る is the general verb for sitting down. 腰を下ろす is more descriptive and slightly formal, often used when inviting someone to sit. 席に着く specifically means taking one's assigned seat, like at a dinner table or meeting.
To describe someone currently in a seated position, use 座っている (the te-iru form). 座る alone usually refers to the action of sitting down, not the state.
He sat down and opened his book.
He is sitting on a chair now.
That person has been sitting the whole time.
Literally 'is perching one's hips'. Emphasizes the state of being seated, often on a chair or bench.
She was sitting on the bench.
In tea ceremony, we sit in seiza.
To sit cross-legged. Common casual floor sitting for men.
He sat cross-legged and watched TV.
To sit with legs to one side, often done by women in kimono.
She was sitting with her legs to the side.
I will sit the exam next week.
To have an interview (literally 'receive an interview').
I'm sitting an interview tomorrow.
She sat for the painter.
To pose (for a photo or painting).
I sat for the photo.
He sits on the committee.
To be a member (of a group).
She sits on the board.
A bird is sitting on the power line.
Can be used for animals like dogs or cats sitting on their haunches.
The dog is sitting quietly.
A book is sitting on the desk.
Simply 'to be there' for inanimate objects.
A box is sitting there.
Please sit anywhere you like.
The cat is sitting on the mat.