How to say "squat" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- godan verb, intransitive verbThe plain, physical word for squatting: bending the knees to lower the body, as when picking something up off the floor or looking at something at ground level.
- godan verb, intransitive verbCrouching or squatting with the body hunched and drawn in; it also covers cowering, so it suits someone huddled on the ground in fear. Usually written in kana alone.
Use 「しゃがむ」 for simply lowering the body by bending the knees; use 「うずくまる」 when the posture is hunched or drawn in, or when cowering in fear is meant.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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