Translation and Meaning of: 席 - seki

The Japanese word 席[せき] is a common term in everyday life in Japan, but it may cause confusion for language learners. If you have ever wondered about its meaning, how to use it correctly, or its origin, this article will clarify these questions. Additionally, we will explore its cultural context and some curiosities that make this word even more interesting.

In the Suki Nihongo dictionary, you will find precise details about 席, but here we will go beyond simple translation. Let's dive into how the Japanese perceive this word, when it appears in conversations, and even in what situations it can surprise those learning Japanese.

Meaning and use of 席[せき]

In its most basic form, 席 means "seat" or "place to sit." However, its use goes beyond the literal meaning. In restaurants, for example, waiters may ask "何名様ですか？" (how many people?) before taking customers to their 席. In formal events, the word can refer to designated places, such as in graduation ceremonies.

The interesting thing is that 席 also appears in more abstract contexts. In Japanese politics, for example, they speak of "議席" (seats in parliament). This flexibility shows how an apparently simple word can gain layers of meaning depending on the context in which it is used.

Origin and writing of the kanji 席

The kanji 席 is composed of the radical 巾 (which represents cloth) combined with other elements. Historically, this character refers to the idea of mats or carpets used as seats - a direct reference to traditional Japanese materials for sitting. This connection with objects from ancient daily life helps to understand why the character has this specific form.

As for pronunciation, せき is the on'yomi reading (of Chinese origin), while there is no kun'yomi reading (native Japanese) for this kanji. This characteristic is common in kanjis that represent more abstract concepts or that were imported with a specific use in the Japanese language.

Tips for memorizing and using 席 correctly

An effective way to memorize 席 is to associate it with concrete situations. Imagine a crowded train during peak hours in Tokyo - the constant announcements about "空席" (empty seats) make the word unforgettable. This visual and contextual association greatly aids the learning process.

Another valuable tip is to pay attention to the compounds where 席 appears. Words like "指定席" (reserved seat) and "優先席" (priority seat) are common in public transportation and commercial establishments. By recognizing these terms in your daily life, you naturally reinforce the meaning and correct usage of 席.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 座席 (Zaseki) - Seat
• 位置 (Ichi) - Location
• 座り (Suwari) - to sit
• 座り (Zuwari) - to sit
• 席位 (Sekii) - Position or category of a seat
• 席次 (Sekiji) - Order of the seats
• 席数 (Sekisū) - Number of seats
• 席順 (Sekijun) - Sequence or order of the seats
• 席替え (Sekigae) - Seat exchange
• 席取り (Sekidori) - Seat reservation
• 席巻 (Sekkan) - To dominate or conquer an area (in the sense of seating)
• 席張り (Sekihari) - Placement or arrangement of seats
• 席上 (Sekijō) - On the seat or on top of the seat
• 席外 (Sekigai) - Out of seat
• 席を外す (Seki o hazusu) - Move away from the seat
• 席を外れる (Seki o hazureru) - Be removed from the seat

席

Romaji: seki
Kana: せき
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: Seat

Meaning in English: seat

Definition: A place to sit.

Example Sentences - (席) seki

See below some example sentences:

重役は会議に出席している。

Jūyaku wa kaigi ni shusseki shite iru

The executive is present at the meeting.

The executive is attending the meeting.

• 重役 - means "executive" or "top executive" in Japanese.
• は - topic particle in Japanese, indicating that the subject of the sentence is "重役".
• 会議 - means "meeting" in Japanese.
• に - destination particle in Japanese, indicating that the "meeting" is the destination of the "重役".
• 出席している - Japanese compound verb, meaning "to be present" or "to participate".

着席してください。

Chakuseki shite kudasai

Please sit down.

Please sit down.

• 着席 - It means "to sit" in Japanese.
• して - is a form of the verb "to do" in Japanese.
• ください - is a polite way of asking for something in Japanese, equivalent to "please" in Portuguese.

席を取ってください。

Seki o totte kudasai

Please reserve a seat.

Please sit down.

• 席 (seki) - means "seat" in Japanese.
• を (wo) - an object particle that indicates that "seki" is the object of the sentence.
• 取って (totte) - a verb form of the verb "toru", which means "to take" or "to get". In this case, it is in the imperative form, indicating an order or request.
• ください (kudasai) - a verb form of the verb "kudasaru", which is a courtesy verb used to make requests or requests. In this case, it is in the imperative form, indicating a polite request.

先着順で席を確保してください。

Senchaku jun de seki wo kakutoku shite kudasai

Please secure your seat in order of arrival.

Please secure a seat on a first-degree, first-served basis.

• 先着順 (sentei jun) - order of arrival
• で (de) - indication of means or method
• 席 (seki) - Seat
• を (wo) - object particle
• 確保 (kakuho) - Guarantee, ensure
• して (shite) - conjugated form of the verb "suru" (to do)
• ください (kudasai) - Please

きちんとした服装で会議に出席しました。

Kichinto shita fukusō de kaigi ni shusseki shimashita

I attended the meeting dressed appropriately.

I attended the meeting in proper clothing.

• きちんとした - well-groomed, well-dressed
• 服装 - clothing, attire
• で - indicates the means, the way something is done
• 会議 - meeting, conference
• に - indicates the place where something happens
• 出席 - presence, attendance
• しました - past tense of the verb "to do"

出席することは大切です。

Shusseki suru koto wa taisetsu desu

It is important to participate.

• 出席すること - participate / attend
• は - Topic particle
• 大切 - important / valuable
• です - verb be (polite form)

座席を予約しました。

Zaseki wo yoyaku shimashita

I reserved a seat.

I reserved my seat.

• 座席 - Seat
• を - object particle
• 予約 - booking
• しました - past tense of the verb "to do"

私は明日の会議に欠席します。

Watashi wa ashita no kaigi ni kessei shimasu

I will be absent from tomorrow's meeting.

I will be absent from tomorrow's meeting.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 明日 (ashita) - substantive that means "tomorrow"
• の (no) - Particle indicating possession or relationship
• 会議 (kaigi) - noun meaning "gathering" or "meeting"
• に (ni) - particle that indicates destination or goal
• 欠席 (kesseki) - noun meaning "absence" or "lack"
• します (shimasu) - verb meaning "to do" or "to accomplish"

私は背広を着て会議に出席します。

Watashi wa sebiro o kite kaigi ni shusseki shimasu

I'm going to wear a suit and attend the meeting.

I will attend the meeting wearing a suit.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 背広 - Japanese noun meaning "suit"
• を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
• 着て - Japanese verb meaning "to put on"
• 会議 - Japanese noun meaning "meeting"
• に - Japanese particle indicating the place where the action takes place
• 出席します - Japanese verb meaning "to attend"

総会には全員出席してください。

Sōkai ni wa zen'in shusseki shite kudasai

Please join everyone in the general meeting.

• 総会 (soukai) - General meeting
• には (niwa) - Particle that indicates the place or moment when something happens
• 全員 (zen'in) - All members
• 出席 (shusseki) - Presence
• してください (shite kudasai) - Please, do it.