Translation guide
The English word 'seat' can refer to a place to sit, a location in a venue, a position in an organization, or the part of a chair you sit on. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Referring to any place where one can sit, such as a chair, bench, or spot on the floor.
The most common and general word for 'seat'. Used for chairs, benches, and designated sitting places in public or private settings.
席を探しています。
I'm looking for a seat.
この席は空いていますか？
Is this seat taken?
A slightly more formal word for 'seat', often used in transportation or venues. Emphasizes the seating arrangement.
座席番号を確認してください。
Please check your seat number.
Means 'chair'. Use this when specifically referring to a chair as a physical object, not just any sitting place.
椅子をもう一つ持ってきてください。
Please bring one more chair.
Referring to an assigned or designated seat, such as in a theater, airplane, or train.
Works for most contexts. Can be combined with modifiers like 指定席 (reserved seat) or 自由席 (unreserved seat).
指定席を予約しました。
I reserved a seat.
窓側の席をお願いします。
A window seat, please.
Common in formal announcements or written information about seating.
お座席はこちらです。
Your seat is here.
Referring to membership or a role in a group, such as a board seat or parliamentary seat.
Specifically means a seat in a legislative body or committee. Used in political contexts.
その党は議席を増やした。
The party increased its seats.
Can be used metaphorically for a position in a group, but less specific than 議席.
Referring to the horizontal surface of a chair, as opposed to the back or legs.
The technical term for the seat part of a chair. Used in furniture descriptions.
この椅子の座面は柔らかい。
The seat of this chair is soft.
Another term for the sitting part, less common than 座面.
座部が破れている。
The seat is torn.
Referring to the number of people that can sit, e.g., in a car or restaurant.
Used for vehicles. Attach to a number, e.g., 5人乗り (five-seater).
この車は5人乗りです。
This car seats five.
Used for restaurants or venues. Attach to a number, e.g., 4席 (four seats).
4席のテーブルを予約したいです。
I'd like to reserve a table for four.
席 is the most versatile and common word for 'seat'. 座席 is more formal and often used in transportation or official settings. 椅子 specifically means 'chair' and should not be used for benches or floor seating.
席に座ってください。
Please take a seat.
座席のベルトをお締めください。
Please fasten your seat belt.
椅子を並べてください。
Please line up the chairs.
If you are referring to a seat on a train, in a theater, or on a bench, use 席 or 座席. Using 椅子 would imply a standalone chair, which may sound unnatural.
He lost his seat on the committee.