据える

• Reading: すえる
• Romaji: sueru
• Kanji breakdown: 据 (kyo/su) — set, place, install
• Pronunciation: /sɯ.e.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To place; to set; to install; to fix in position. To put something firmly in its designated place.

A Group 2 (ichidan) transitive verb meaning to place something deliberately and firmly. Used for installing equipment, positioning objects, or figuratively for appointing someone to a position. The expression 腹を据える (to steel oneself) and 目を据える (to fix one's gaze) are common idioms using this verb.

Examples

1. 庭に新しいベンチを据えた。 I installed a new bench in the garden.
2. 大砲を丘の上に据えて敵に備えた。 We positioned the cannon on top of the hill in preparation for the enemy.
3. 腹を据えて最後まで戦う覚悟だ。 I've steeled myself and am resolved to fight to the end.

Usage Guide

Context: physical placement, military, idiomatic expressions

Tone: deliberate

Origin & History

From Old Japanese, the kanji 据 combines 手 (hand) with 居 (sit, reside), conveying the image of placing something by hand so it sits firmly in position.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal