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住む
すむ
sumu
The primary focus of "sumu" is the physical act of residing or dwelling in a specific location. It emphasizes the state of having a fixed address or a designated place of habitation.
It is crucial to distinguish "sumu" from "kurasu" (暮らす). While "sumu" refers to the physical location (where you reside), "kurasu" refers to the lifestyle, the daily activities, and the manner of spending one's life (how you live). For example, you "sumu" in a city, but you "kurasu" a frugal life.
Another common pitfall for English speakers is the confusion between "sumu" and "ikiru" (生きる). In English, "live" covers both residing in a place and being alive. In Japanese, these are strictly separated. "Sumu" is only for habitation; to express biological existence or survival, "ikiru" must be used. Using "sumu" to mean "to be alive" is a grammatical error.
Additionally, "sumu" is used for animals to describe their natural habitat (e.g., fish living in the ocean), though "seisoku suru" (生息する) is used in more formal or scientific contexts.
Meanings
To reside or dwell in a particular place.
東京に住む。
Live in Tokyo.
Grammar & Conjugations
Godan Verb (五段動詞)
sumimasu
sumimashita
sumimasen
sumimasen deshita
Examples
Onomatopoeia & Mimetic Words
のんびり
Living in a relaxed, leisurely manner without stress.
田舎でのんびり住みたいです。
I want to live leisurely in the countryside.
ひっそり
Living quietly and inconspicuously, away from the public eye.
彼は山奥にひっそりと住んでいる。
He is living quietly in the depths of the mountains.
ゆったり
Living comfortably with plenty of space or time.
広い家でゆったり住むのが夢です。
My dream is to live comfortably in a spacious house.