居座る

• Reading: いすわる
• Romaji: isuwaru
• Kanji breakdown: 居 (i/kyo) — to be, to reside; 座 (za/suwa) — to sit, seat
• Pronunciation: /i.sɯ.wa.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To remain; to stay put; to refuse to leave. Describes stubbornly occupying a place or position and refusing to vacate it.

A Group 1 (godan) verb conjugated on the -r stem. Carries a strong nuance of obstinacy — the subject knows they should leave but refuses. Used for people clinging to power, protesters occupying a site, or anyone who overstays their welcome. Often implies social friction or confrontation.

Examples

1. 交渉が決裂しても、彼は席に居座り続けた。 Even after negotiations broke down, he continued to remain in his seat.
2. 不法占拠者が土地に居座り、撤去命令にも応じなかった。 An unlawful occupier stayed put on the land and did not comply with the eviction order.
3. 無能な幹部が権力の座に居座っているせいで、組織が停滞している。 Because an incompetent executive is clinging to a position of power, the organisation is stagnating.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, protest, workplace, conflict

Tone: negative

Origin & History

Compound of 居 (i, to be/sit) and 座る (suwaru, to sit). The combination intensifies the sense of being firmly planted in place, with 居 emphasising continued presence.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal