Translation and Meaning of: 住 - jyuu

The Japanese word 住[じゅう] is an essential term for anyone studying the language or interested in Japanese culture. Its main meaning is related to housing, residence, and dwelling, but its use goes beyond the literal sense. In this article, we will explore everything from the origin and writing of the kanji to practical examples of how it appears in everyday Japanese life. If you want to understand how this word is used in real contexts, keep reading!

In addition to being a common word in everyday conversations, 住[じゅう] also makes up important expressions and reveals aspects of Japanese society. Here at Suki Nihongo, we aim to provide accurate and useful information for your learning. Let's uncover curiosities, memorization tips, and even how this term appears in media such as animes and dramas.

Meaning and usage of 住[じゅう]

The kanji 住 is formed by the radicals 亻 (left side, indicating person) and 主 (right side, associated with "master" or "principal"). Together, they convey the idea of a "place where someone resides." The reading じゅう (jū) is often used in compound words, such as 住所 (jūsho - address) or 住宅 (jūtaku - residence).

In everyday contexts, this term appears in formal and informal situations. For example, when filling out a form in Japan, it's common to see fields with 住まいの地域 (sumai no chiiki - area of residence). In casual conversations, someone might ask どこに住んでいますか？ (doko ni sunde imasu ka? - where do you live?).

Cultural curiosities about housing in Japan

The concept of housing in Japan goes beyond the simple word 住. Japanese culture has interesting peculiarities related to residences, such as the traditional 間取り (madori - house layout), which prioritizes multifunctional spaces. The term 住まい (sumai) also reflects the Japanese view of home as a space in harmony with nature.

In Tokyo, where space is limited, creative solutions such as カプセルホテル (kapuseru hoteru - capsule hotels) have emerged, showcasing how Japan adapts the concept of living to urban needs. These innovations keep alive the essence of 住 as a place of rest and privacy, even in compact environments.

Tips for memorizing and using 住[じゅう]

An effective way to memorize this kanji is to associate its components: imagine a person (亻) who is a master (主) in their own home. To practice reading, create flashcards with words such as 住民 (jūmin - resident) and 住居 (jūkyo - housing). Apps like Anki can help in this process.

Another valuable tip is to pay attention to this kanji in animes and dramas that depict domestic settings. Series like "Sazae-san" or "Chibi Maruko-chan" often include dialogues about housing, providing authentic examples of the use of 住 in natural contexts. This cultural immersion makes learning more meaningful.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 居住 (Kyoju) - Residence, the act of living in a place.
• 住居 (Jukyo) - Residence, domicile, place where one lives.
• 住まい (Sumai) - Home, place where one resides.
• 住所 (Jusho) - Address, place of residence.
• 住宅 (Jutaku) - Housing, residential building.
• 住居地 (Jukyochi) - Place of residence, area where a person lives.
• 住まう (Sumau) - To live, to inhabit, to reside in a place.
• 住処 (Sumika) - Refuge, a place where one lives, home.
• 住家 (Sumiie) - House, home, place of residence.
• 住民 (Jumin) - Inhabitants, residents of an area.
• 住人 (Judin) - Resident, a person who resides in a specific place.
• 住まいる (Sumairu) - To live, to be at home; the focus is more on a cozy environment.
• 住ませる (Sumaseru) - To cause someone to live, to allow someone to reside.
• 住まわせる (Sumawaseteru) - Allowing or forcing someone to live in a place.
• 住まいにする (Sumai ni suru) - Make a place a home.
• 住まいを定める (Sumai wo sadameru) - Define a place of residence.
• 住まいを構える (Sumai wo kamaeru) - Establish a home, build a house.
• 住まいを移す (Sumai wo utsusu) - Changing residence, relocating home.
• 住まいを設ける (Sumai wo moekeru) - Establish a place to live.
• 住まいを提供する (Sumai wo teikyou suru) - Offer or provide a residence.
• 住まいを借りる (Sumai wo kariru) - Alugar uma residência.
• 住まいを買う (Sumai wo kau) - Buy a house or residence.
• 住まいを売る (Sumai wo uru) - Sell a house or residence.
• 住まいを改装する (Sumai wo kaisou suru) - Renovating or remodeling a house.
• 住まいを建てる (Sumai wo tateru) - Build a house or residence.

住

Romaji: jyuu
Kana: じゅう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: living; living

Meaning in English: dwelling;living

Definition: Settle down in a place to live.

Example Sentences - (住) jyuu

See below some example sentences:

私は近郊に住んでいます。

Watashi wa kinkou ni sunde imasu

I live around.

I live in the suburbs.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 近郊 (kinkou) - noun that means "surroundings"
• に (ni) - particle that indicates location
• 住んでいます (sundeimasu) - verb that means "to live"

私はアパートに住んでいます。

Watashi wa apāto ni sunde imasu

I live in an apartment.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• アパート - アパート (apāto)
• に - location particle that indicates where something is
• 住んでいます - The verb meaning "to live" conjugated in the present continuous polite form.

私たちは社宅に住んでいます。

Watashitachi wa shataku ni sunde imasu

We live in an apartment provided by the company.

We live in a company's home.

• 私たち - 私たち
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 社宅 - "company house" in Japanese
• に - Location particle in Japanese
• 住んでいます - "we live" in Japanese

私たちの住居は新しいです。

Watashitachi no jūkyo wa atarashii desu

Our residence is new.

• 私たちの - 「私たち」
• 住居 - "Residence" in Japanese
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 新しい - "New" in Japanese
• です - polite way of "being" in Japanese

私たちは新しい住まいを探しています。

Watashitachi wa atarashii sumai o sagashiteimasu

We are looking for a new home.

We are looking for a new home.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 新しい - "New" in Japanese
• 住まい - "House" in Japanese
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 探しています - "We are looking" in Japanese