座

ざ
noun
seat; position; status
1. seat; position; status
A position one occupies, especially a coveted post, rank, or title. Carries a sense of authority or prestige attached to the spot.
社長(しゃちょう)の座(ざ)に就(つ)く。
to take the position of company president
王者(おうじゃ)の座(ざ)を守(まも)り抜(ぬ)いた。
He successfully defended the champion's title.
首位(しゅい)の座(ざ)をめぐって激(はげ)しい争(あらそ)いが続(つづ)いている。
A fierce struggle continues over the top position.

Often abstract: not a physical chair but a position of rank or honor. The same kanji also serves as a suffix in 星座(せいざ) (constellation) and in theater names like 歌舞伎座(かぶきざ), which are separate uses.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 座(ざ)に就(つ)く: to take up a position
  • 座(ざ)を奪(うば)う: to seize a position from someone
  • 座(ざ)を争(あらそ)う: to compete for a position
  • 座(ざ)を明(あ)け渡(わた)す: to give up one's position
general
Added 2026.5.26 13:08
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