1.
enshrinement of a deity; a deity residing at a shrine
The state of a deity being enshrined and residing at a particular location. Used in Shinto contexts for the formal installation or presence of a god at a shrine.
この神社には天照大神が鎮座している。
The sun goddess Amaterasu is enshrined at this shrine.
山の頂に古くから鎮座する社を訪ねた。
I visited a shrine that has been enshrined on the mountaintop since ancient times.
平安時代から鎮座するこの神社は、地元の人々に深く信仰されている。
This shrine, enshrined since the Heian period, is deeply revered by the local people.
2.
sitting imposingly; being placed prominently
Used figuratively or humorously for something large or important sitting or placed prominently in a location, as if enshrined.
リビングの真ん中に大きなソファが鎮座している。
A large sofa sits imposingly in the middle of the living room.
机の上に巨大なモニターが鎮座している。
A huge monitor sits prominently on the desk.
棚の一番上に、誰にも触らせない大きなトロフィーが鎮座していた。
On the top shelf, a large trophy that no one was allowed to touch sat imposingly.
USAGE: 鎮座 has two distinct uses. In its original Shinto meaning, it describes a deity being enshrined at a location. In its figurative meaning, it humorously describes something large or important sitting prominently, as if it were a deity enshrined in place.
PARTICLE PATTERNS:
- AがBに鎮座する (A is enshrined/sits at B)
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 鎮座する神社 (an enshrined shrine)
- 鎮座祭 (enshrinement festival)
- 堂々と鎮座する (to sit imposingly)
The figurative use (sense 2) adds a humorous or dramatic tone to descriptions of large, immovable objects taking up space.