Translation guide
The English word 'squat' can refer to a physical exercise, a resting posture, or the act of crouching down. In Japanese, different words and phrases are used depending on the context.
The speaker wants to refer to the exercise where you bend your knees and lower your body, often with weight.
The most common and direct translation for the exercise 'squat'. Used in fitness contexts.
I do squats every day.
Refers to the motion of squatting down, but can be used in exercise contexts, especially bodyweight squats.
Squatting exercises work your thighs.
The speaker wants to describe the posture of sitting on one's heels with knees bent, often while resting or waiting.
The general verb for squatting or crouching down. Can be used for resting, waiting, or hiding.
He was squatting by the roadside resting.
To squat or crouch, often with a nuance of huddling or staying low, sometimes due to cold, fear, or hiding.
Literally 'squatting posture', used in technical or descriptive contexts.
The speaker wants to describe the action of quickly lowering the body, often to avoid something or pick something up.
To squat down, often with a sense of going into a squatting position and staying there momentarily.
He squatted down to pick up the dropped item.
To stoop or bend down. Can be used for squatting but also for bending at the waist. Less specific than しゃがむ.
The speaker wants to refer to the act of living in an empty building without permission.
しゃがむ is a general squat/crouch, often with feet flat on the ground. うずくまる implies a more protective or huddled posture, often with knees drawn up, and can suggest fear, cold, or hiding.
He squatted because he was tired.
She was scared and crouched in the corner.
スクワット is only used for the exercise. Using it to mean 'crouch down' or 'squat on the ground' will sound unnatural.
The child was squatting in the corner.
Maintaining a squatting posture for a long time is tough.
I squatted down to tie my shoelaces.
Someone is squatting in this abandoned house.