定住

• Reading: ていじゅう
• Romaji: teijuu
• Kanji breakdown: 定 (tei) — fixed, settle, determine; 住 (juu) — dwell, reside, live
• Pronunciation: /teː.dʑɯː/

Meaning

Settlement; permanent residency. Living in one place on a long-term or permanent basis.

A noun and suru-verb (intransitive) used to describe settling down in a fixed location permanently. Contrasts with 移住 (ishuu, migration/relocation) which focuses on the act of moving, while 定住 emphasizes staying put. Common in discussions of immigration policy, nomadic-to-settled transitions, and life decisions about where to live. Often appears with する to form 定住する (to settle permanently).

Examples

1. この町に定住することを決めた。 I decided to settle permanently in this town.
2. 外国人の定住者が年々増えている。 The number of foreign permanent residents is increasing year by year.
3. 遊牧民が定住生活に移行した歴史がある。 There is a history of nomadic peoples transitioning to settled life.

Usage Guide

Context: immigration, life decisions, history

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 定 (tei, fixed/settled) + 住 (juu, dwell/reside). Literally 'fixed dwelling' — residing in a determined location.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal