noun, used as a suffix, noun, used as a prefix, noun
Used mainly in compound words to indicate being or existing in a place. Related to 居る (いる, 'to be').
See also: いる
He lives alone (has set up his own residence).
noun, used as a suffix, noun, used as a prefix, noun
Rare standalone use; mostly appears in compounds like 居眠り (dozing while sitting) or 居酒屋 (pub where one sits).
Dozing off while driving is dangerous.
I don't know his whereabouts.
The character 居 has the meaning of sitting.
come; go; be (somewhere) · be (doing)
izakaya; Japanese-style pub
play; drama; theatrical performance
whereabouts; location; place · place where one belongs; one's niche; place to be oneself
comfort of a place; how it feels to be somewhere
waitress (in a ryokan or traditional restaurant); hostess
threshold; sill
nodding off (while sitting); dozing
torii gate; Shinto shrine archway
living room (Western style); sitting room
long visit; overstaying
sitting in a circle · pleasant gathering; cozy get-together
freeloader; sponger; unpaying lodger
remain; stay on; refuse to leave
working overtime; staying late at work · detention; being kept in (e.g. after school)
whereabouts; address; location · temporary residence; place of temporary stay
lintel; upper door frame
iai; art of drawing and cutting in one motion
remaining in place; staying on; overstaying
movements; sitting and standing
pretending to be out; feigning absence
turnkey business; fully equipped; as-is with fixtures
high-handed; overbearing; domineering
stay behind; remain; work overtime
sky; clouds · distant place; high place · imperial court
sitting outdoors · reception and living room in Heian mansion · temporary outdoor seating for court ceremonies
shrine · imperial palace · residing (of an emperor or god)
staying at home; being at home
one's seat; one's place · buttocks
The kanji 居 is used for its meaning of 'reside' or 'sit'. The reading い is the native Japanese reading (kun'yomi).