座
Meanings
seat; place to sit
A physical seat or place to sit, such as a chair, cushion, or designated spot.
Please sit down. Please take this seat.
One's position, rank, or status in an organization, field, or society.
He established a solid position in the industry.
gathering; party; company; atmosphere
A social gathering or the atmosphere of such a gathering. Often used in phrases like 座が白ける (the mood falls flat) or 座が盛り上がる (the party livens up).
His joke killed the mood of the gathering.
The party livened up with fun stories.
A stand, pedestal, or platform for displaying an object, such as a statue or vase.
Place the vase on a stand for display.
trade guild
Historical term for a trade guild or association of merchants or artisans in pre-modern Japan.
In the Edo period, various craftsmen organized trade guilds.
constellation suffix
Suffix attached to the names of constellations, e.g., オリオン座 (Orion), おおぐま座 (Ursa Major).
The constellation Orion is often visible in the winter night sky.
theatre/cinema/troupe suffix
Suffix attached to the names of theatres, cinemas, and theatrical troupes, e.g., 劇団四季座.
That movie is showing at the Tokyu-za cinema in Shibuya.
counter for theatres, deities, etc.
Counter used for theatres, deities, Buddhist images, tall mountains, and satokagura songs. Rare and specialized.
See also: 里神楽
There are three Shinto shrines in this area.
Usage patterns
- 〈地位〉の座に就くto assume a position (of ...)
He assumed the position of team captain.
- 〈地位〉の座を守るto defend one's position (as ...)
She defended her title as champion.
- 〈人〉に座を譲るto hand over one's position to someone
He handed over the position of president to a younger employee.
- 座が盛り上がるfor the gathering/party to liven up
Everyone started singing and the party livened up.
- 座に着くto take one's seat
The meeting began once everyone had taken their seats.