Basic Meaning
"椅子" (いす) simply means "chair" in Japanese. It refers to a piece of furniture designed for sitting, typically with a back and four legs.
Usage in Daily Life
This word is very common and used in everyday conversation when talking about furniture at home, school, or office. For example, you might say "椅子に座る" (sit on a chair) or ask "椅子はありますか？" (Do you have a chair?).
Common Collocations
- 椅子に座る: to sit on a chair
- 椅子を買う: to buy a chair
- 椅子が壊れる: the chair breaks
These collocations help you talk about actions related to chairs naturally.
Register and Politeness
"椅子" is a neutral, standard word suitable for all levels of formality. It is appropriate in casual and polite contexts alike.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "椅子" with "イス" written in katakana. Both are correct, but "椅子" is the standard kanji form and preferred in writing. Using "イス" is common in casual or advertising contexts.