If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? Probably Japan right. In Tokyo? In an apartment? Discussing where you previously, currently or would like to live is common in everyday conversation, especially when meeting new people and self-introductions. So today, let’s break down the Japanese word for 'to live', sumu 「住所」 (じゅうしょ). We'll learn what is means, how can it be used, and what to avoid confusing it with.

「住む(すむ)」means "to live" or "to reside." This verb is commonly used when talking about where you live or asking someone about their residence. Whether it’s a city, a country, or even a specific place, 住む covers it all! It’s a must-know word for JLPT N5 and beyond.

東京(とうきょう)に　住んでいます。

I live in Tokyo.

The kanji 住 is composed of two parts. 亻 (the "person" radical) on the left, hints at people or actions. 主 (meaning "main" or "master") on the right, gives the idea of something central or important. Put them together: think of a person (亻) who stays or lives (住) where their main or important place (主) is.

どこに　住(す)んでいますか。

Where do you live?

１０年　アメリカに　住(す)みました。

I lived in America for 10 years.

私(わたし)は　大(おお)きな　家(うち)に　住(す)んでいます。

I live in a big house.

彼女(かのじょ)は　３階(かい)に　住(す)んでいます。

She lives on the third floor.

「生きる」(ikiru) is a JLPT N4 word that can also mean "to live", but in the sense of 'living' and 'being alive', opposed to 住む (sumu) which means to live in the sense of 'residence' and to 'reside'.

お父(おとう)さんが　まだ　生きています。

My dad is still alive.

暮(く)らす (kurasu) is a JLPT N3 word which can have the meaning of 'to live' however, it in the context of the lifestyle or way of living. It's not tied to a specific location. It emphasizes daily life or how you spend your time.

彼女(かのじょ)と　いっしょに　暮(く)らしています。

I live with my girlfriend.

The kanji「住」appears in several other words you might encounter on your JLPT journey, including another N5 vocabulary such as:

• 住所 (じゅうしょ, jyuusho) - address