Meaning
The N1 Joyo kanji 据 (Kyo, su.eru, su.waru) has 11 strokes. It combines the radical 手 (hand) with the phonetic and semantic component 居, which means "to dwell," "to exist," or "to sit." Together, these elements paint a picture: using one's hand to firmly place something, ensuring it "dwells" or "sits" securely in a particular spot. This imagery directly connects to its core meanings: "to install," "to set," "to place firmly," or "to fix."
The radical 手 clearly signifies a physical action, involving hands in manipulation or careful positioning. While 居 typically relates to "sitting" or "existing," its combination with 手 highlights the result of that hand action: making something stable and fixed. It's as if the object is now "dwelling" there permanently and steadily. Consider installing a heavy appliance: you use your hands to ensure it's firmly set in its designated spot. This kanji therefore conveys a sense of stability, permanence, and deliberate positioning, often implying effort or handling something weighty. You'll typically encounter this Grade 8 Joyo kanji at the N1 level of the JLPT because its specific usage and nuanced meanings go beyond simple placement.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
Although the component 居 has the on'yomi キョ (Kyo), the kanji 据 itself is almost exclusively read using its kun'yomi in modern Japanese. The on'yomi キョ is very rare for 据, meaning its use in common vocabulary is practically non-existent. If it appears, it's typically in historical or highly specialized compounds, where it often inherits the on'yomi from the 居 component rather than directly from 据 itself. For practical learning, focus primarily on its kun'yomi.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
す.える (su.eru) — This transitive verb means "to install," "to set," "to place firmly," or "to fix." It emphasizes placing something deliberately to ensure its stability. For example, you might 据える a heavy stone lantern or a new washing machine.
据える (sueru) — to set, to install, to place
据えける (suetsukeru) — to install, to set up (a more emphatic version of sueru)
据えく (sueoku) — to leave (something) as it is, to defer, to freeze (prices). It literally means "to set and leave."
す.わる (su.waru) — This intransitive verb describes the state of "being set," "being fixed," or "sitting firmly." It implies something is stable or steady, or refers to a person adopting a resolute posture. While 座る is the common way to write "to sit," 据る specifically highlights stability or firmness. For instance, a wobbly table isn't 据っている, but a steadfast person might have their 腹が据る (resolve fixed).
据る (suwaru) — to be fixed, to sit firmly, to settle down
腹が据る (hara ga suwaru) — to be resolute, to be composed, to have courage (idiomatic expression)
目が据る (me ga suwaru) — to glare, to have a fixed, determined stare (often implying fierceness or resolve)
Common Words & Compounds
Installation & Placement
据付 (suetsuke) — installation, setting up
据え付け工事 (suetsukekouji) — installation work
据え置き (sueoki) — fixed, deferred (e.g., price, payment, interest rate)
据え置き型 (sueokigata) — stationary (type), desktop (e.g., computer, console)
Stability & Resolution
据り (suwari) — stability, balance, sitting position (e.g., of a doll)
腰が据る (koshi ga suwaru) — to have a stable posture; to become steady and composed (often refers to a person maturing)
腹が据る (hara ga suwaru) — to be resolute, to be calm and composed in the face of danger or adversity
目が据る (me ga suwaru) — to glare, to have a fixed, determined stare (often implying seriousness or anger)
Objects & Traditional Terms
据物 (suemono) — a stationary object, an ornament for display, a mounted object
据え膳 (suezen) — a meal prepared and set out, waiting to be eaten (often implying someone is serving you)
据え風呂 (sueburo) — a fixed bath tub (as opposed to a portable one)
Example Sentences
新しい洗濯機を所定の場所に据えた。
Atarashii sentakuki o shotei no basho ni sueta.
I installed the new washing machine in its designated spot.
機械は床にしっかり据っていて動かない。
Kikai wa yuka ni shikkari suwatteite ugokanai.
The machine is firmly fixed to the floor and doesn't move.
彼は難問にも腹が据わっているので、冷静に対処できる。
Kare wa nanmon ni mo hara ga suwatteiru node, reisei ni taisho dekiru.
He is resolute even with difficult problems, so he can deal with them calmly.
今回の賃料は来年まで据えきとすることに決定した。
Konkai no chinryō wa rainen made sueoki to suru koto ni kettei shita.
It was decided that this year's rent would be kept unchanged until next year.
大型テレビをリビングに据えけるのは大変な作業だった。
Ōgata terebi o ribingu ni suetsukeru no wa taihen na sagyō datta.
Installing the large TV in the living room was a difficult task.
新入社員だが、彼はもう腰が据わっていると評判だ。
Shinnyū shain da ga, kare wa mō koshi ga suwatteiru to hyōban da.
Although he's a new employee, he's reputed to be very steady and composed.
交渉の際、相手の目が据っていて、簡単には折れないと感じた。
Kōshō no sai, aite no me ga suwatteite, kantan ni wa orenai to kanjita.
During negotiations, the opponent's eyes were fixed, and I felt they wouldn't easily back down.
重い石を台座に据えて、安定させた。
Omoi ishi o daiza ni suete, antei saseta.
I set the heavy stone on the pedestal to stabilize it.
据え置き型ゲーム機はテレビに接続して使う。
Sueokigata gēmu-ki wa terebi ni setsuzoku shite tsukau.
A stationary game console is used by connecting it to a TV.
Memory Tip
Here's a memory trick for 据: Envision using your hand (手, the radical on the left) to carefully and firmly place or install something. The goal is for it to stay or dwell (居, the component on the right) securely in its spot. Picture a sturdy carpenter or technician deliberately positioning a heavy machine. They aren't just putting it down; they're using their hands to ensure it's truly set and fixed, as if it's found its permanent "dwelling place." This strong mental image connects the physical act of setting with the resulting stability and fixed position, directly reflecting the core meanings of 据.