座布団(ざぶとん)

ざぶとん
noun
floor cushion
1. floor cushion
A flat cushion used for sitting on tatami or wooden floors in Japanese-style rooms.
座布団(ざぶとん)を敷(し)く。
To lay out a floor cushion.
座布団(ざぶとん)に座(すわ)ってください。
Please sit on the cushion.
客間(きゃくま)に座布団(ざぶとん)を並(なら)べてお客(きゃく)さんを迎(むか)えた。
I arranged floor cushions in the guest room and welcomed the guests.

ETYMOLOGY:
座(ざ) (seat) + 布団(ふとん) (bedding/cushion)

CULTURAL NOTES:

  • Standard size is about 55×59 cm, though sizes vary
  • In formal settings, guests should not sit on cushions until invited
  • It's polite to fold and set aside a cushion when leaving
  • Stepping on a cushion or kicking it is considered rude

POPULAR CULTURE:
On the TV show 笑点(しょうてん), performers receive 座布団(ざぶとん) as rewards for good answers—a playful use of the traditional item.

COUNTER:
Counted with 枚(まい): 座布団(ざぶとん)一枚(いちまい) (one cushion)

Related Words

Related: 畳(たたみ) (tatami mat)
general
Added 2026.1.17 12:44 · Revised 2026.3.12 11:06
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