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位だ
kurai da
is (formal)
彼は偉大な位だ。
He is of great status.
formal
A copula indicating state or identity, used in formal contexts to denote status, rank, or position.
彼女は教授の位に就いた。
She attained the position of professor.
その地位は高い位にある。
That position holds high status.
位 (kurai) means 'rank' or 'status,' and だ is the copula. This combination emphasizes the formal or elevated nature of the status.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Formal vs. Informal
In formal contexts, 位だ is preferred over だ alone to emphasize status. For example, 「彼は社長の位に就いた」 (He attained the position of president) sounds more formal than 「彼は社長だ」.
Gold Rule
Position vs. Identity
位だ emphasizes the person's rank or status rather than their identity. For example, 「彼は教授の位にある」 means 'He holds the rank of professor,' not 'He is a professor' in a general sense.
Word Origin
位 (kurai) originates from Old Japanese, meaning 'rank' or 'status,' derived from the concept of social standing. だ is the copula, a contraction of である in formal speech.
Usage Notes
位だ is primarily used in written or formal spoken Japanese to describe someone's elevated status or position. It is less common in casual conversation. The word 位 itself carries a sense of formality and respect.
Word Breakdown
位
rank, status, position
nounだ
copula (is/are)
copula和英辞典