Translation and Meaning of: 住まい - sumai

On this page, we will study the meaning of the Japanese word 住まい (sumai) and its translation into English. Let's see their different meanings, example phrases, explanations, etymology and the similar words.

Romaji: sumai

Kana: すまい

Type: noun

L: jlpt-n2

住まい

Translation / Meaning: housing; House; residence; address

Meaning in English: dwelling;house;residence;address

Definition: A place where people live.

Table of Content
- Etymology
- Writing
- Synonyms
- Example Phrases

Explanation and Etymology - (住まい) sumai

The Japanese word 「住まい」 (sumai) is often translated as "residence" or "housing." The etymology of the word can be traced through the kanji that compose it. The first kanji, 「住」 (ju or su) means "to live" or "to reside," and originates from the ideogram of a person standing. The second kanji, 「まい」 is not a separate root, but a phonetic alteration that accompanies the first, forming the pronunciation 「すまい」 (sumai). This combination of kanji, therefore, refers to the act of living or the place where one lives.

The use of the expression 「住まい」 reflects not only the physical place where someone lives but can also imply a deeper sense of home. In the Japanese cultural context, the concept of 'home' transcends walls and roofs, encompassing a space of safety and comfort. This term is important in Japanese society, where living space is often limited and highly valued. Discussions about 「住まい」 often involve architectural details and local traditions that influence the way of life.

Another application of this word is in the commercial and administrative area, involving urban planning and interior design. The term may also appear in legal contexts, especially when discussing residency rights and real estate contracts. With the growing interest in Japanese culture around the world, the notion of 「住まい」 has come to include concepts like wabi-sabi, which highlights the beauty in simplicity and imperfection, aspects that can be reflected in a residential environment.

To Kanji and Culture: The Importance of 「住まい」

Spiritual and cultural meaning of living in a 「住まい」.
Influence of traditional Japanese architecture on modern 「住まい」
The adaptation of residence concepts to meet a constantly changing society

It is worth noting that the term 「住まい」 also adapts to the social and technological changes that influence the way of life, continuing to be a vital and multifaceted term in contemporary Japanese society.

How to Write in Japanese - (住まい) sumai

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese (住まい) sumai:

Synonyms and similar words

There are different ways of expressing the idea of "A place where people live." in the Japanese language.

A way of saying "housing; House; residence; address" é "(住まい) sumai".

Below is a list of Japanese words that have the same meaning or are a variation of the word. "(住まい) sumai":

住居 (Juukyo) - Residence, a place where one lives.
家 (Ie) - Home, dwelling; usually refers to the physical structure.
住所 (Jūsho) - Address, residential location.
住宅 (Jūtaku) - Housing, residential property.
住まい処 (Sumai-dokoro) - Place of residence; focus on shelter function.
住まい家 (Sumai-ie) - Home where one lives; emphasizes the dwelling.
住まい場所 (Sumai-basho) - Place of residence; physical location where one resides.
住まい屋 (Sumai-ya) - Familiar terminology for a house or residence.
住まい所 (Sumai-dokoro) - Dwelling place; similar to 住まい処.
住まい宅 (Sumai-taku) - Residence; emphasizes the housing structure.
住まい地 (Sumai-chi) - Living area; refers to the geographical location.
住まい場 (Sumai-ba) - Living space; refers to the dwelling environment.