JLPT N1

据える

すえる

to set, to lay, to place

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

据

Radical: —

Meaning and Usage

"据える" means to place or set something firmly in a position. It often implies careful or deliberate placement, sometimes with the nuance of fixing or stabilizing an object.

Common Contexts

It is frequently used when talking about placing equipment like cameras or computers, or when fixing one's gaze steadily on something or someone.

Collocations and Patterns

  • "機器を据える" (to set equipment): used when installing or positioning devices.
  • "目を据える" (to fix one's eyes): means to look steadily or intently.
  • "三脚に据える" (to set on a tripod): common in photography contexts.

Register and Nuance

This verb is somewhat formal and often appears in written or technical contexts. It is less common in casual conversation where simpler verbs like "置く" might be used.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse "据える" with "据わる" (to sit firmly or be fixed). Remember "据える" is a transitive verb meaning to place or set something, while "据わる" is intransitive.

Example Sentences

つくえのうえにぱそこんをすえる。

To place the computer on the desk.

かめらをさんきゃくにすえてさつえいをはじめた。

Set the camera on the tripod and started shooting.

めをすえてあいてをみる。

To fix one's eyes on the other person.