腰を据える

• Reading: こしをすえる
• Romaji: koshi wo sueru
• Kanji breakdown: 腰 (yō/koshi) — waist, lower back; 据 (kyo/su) — to set in place, install
• Pronunciation: /ko.ɕi.wo.sɯ.e.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To settle down; to commit seriously to something; to dig in; to plant oneself and engage with patience. Expresses sustained, wholehearted dedication.

A set phrase (慣用句) combining 腰 (waist) and 据える (to set or fix in place). The image is of planting one's body low and firm, like a wrestler or worker who is not going anywhere. Used to describe committing to a long-term project, difficult negotiation, or demanding situation that requires sustained effort. The opposite of 腰が浮く (being restless, not committing fully).

Examples

1. 腰を据えて日本語を学ぶには、少なくとも三年は必要だ。 To seriously settle down and learn Japanese, you need at least three years.
2. 彼はこの仕事に腰を据えて取り組む覚悟を固めた。 He steeled himself to commit wholeheartedly to this job.
3. 問題の根本的な解決には、腰を据えた対話が欠かせない。 A fundamental solution to the problem requires patient, sustained dialogue.

Usage Guide

Context: work, study, commitment, negotiations

Tone: determined

Origin & History

腰 (koshi) refers to the lower torso, considered the stable centre of the body in traditional Japanese culture. 据える means to set or fix in place. The phrase draws on the image of firmly planting one's centre to express sustained commitment.

Cultural Context

Era: Traditional

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal