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立つ
tatsu
stand up
彼は急いで席を立った。
He quickly stood up from his seat.
neutral
To rise to an upright position from a sitting, kneeling, or lying position.
彼女は椅子から立った。
She stood up from the chair.
疲れていたので、すぐに立てなかった。
I was so tired that I couldn't stand up right away.
Commonly used for physical movement from a seated position.
neutral
To take a position or stance, often implying readiness or alertness.
警官は直ちに立った。
The police officer stood at attention immediately.
彼は自分の立場を明確にした。
He made his stance clear.
Can also refer to taking a position in a debate or argument.
neutral
To leave or depart from a place.
彼は会議が終わったらすぐに立った。
He left as soon as the meeting ended.
Often used in formal or business contexts.
formal
To be set up or established (e.g., a business, organization).
この会社は1980年に立った。
This company was established in 1980.
Less common but still used in formal writing.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Distinguish 立つ from 起きる
立つ (tatsu) emphasizes standing up from a seated position, while 起きる (okiru) means to wake up or get up from lying down. Use 立つ for chairs/desks and 起きる for beds/floors.
Gold Rule
When to use 立つ vs. 起立する
立つ is the general verb for standing up, while 起立する (kiritsu suru) is formal and often used in military or ceremonial contexts (e.g., 'Stand up!' in a classroom).
Word Origin
From Old Japanese; derived from the verb 立つ (tatsu), which has roots in Proto-Japonic *tat- (to stand, to rise). The kanji 立 is a pictogram of a person standing on the ground.
Usage Notes
立つ is a versatile verb with multiple nuances. In physical contexts, it emphasizes the action of rising from a seated position. In abstract contexts, it can imply taking a stance or departing. The verb often appears in compound forms like 立ち上がる (to stand up) or 席を立つ (to leave one's seat).
Word Breakdown
立
stand
root和英辞典