座|ざza[0]heiban (flat)
This browser can't play pronunciations (needs Safari 18.4 or later, or Chrome / Edge / Firefox).
- nounseat; place
- nounposition; status
- noungathering; party; company; atmosphere (of a gathering)
- nounstand; pedestal; platform
- nountrade guild
- suffixattaches to the names of constellations
- suffixattaches to the names of theatres, cinemas and theatrical troupes
- suffix, countercounter for theatres, deities, Buddhist images, tall mountains, and satokagura songs
- Synonym席せきNeutralThe most versatile word for a seat or a place in a gathering. 「座」 is more written/formal and also covers the gathering itself and its atmosphere.
- Synonym座席ざせきWrittenWritten/formal: seats on transport or in theaters. 「座」 also means status or a gathering occasion.
- SynonymシートNeutralA loanword for seats in cars, theaters and the like. 「座」 also covers status and gathering occasions.
- Related椅子いすNeutralA chair as furniture; figuratively, a post or position. 「座」 is more written/formal, for a seat or status.
- Related腰掛けこしかけNeutralA stool or bench; figuratively, a temporary job. 「座」 covers a seat, status, or a gathering occasion.
For a seat, status, or gathering in written or formal prose, use 「座」, as in 「座を外す」「首位の座」. For an ordinary seat use 「席」; for seats on transport or in theaters use 「座席」 or 「シート」; for a chair use 「椅子」.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only


