seat

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 座 relates to a place to sit; its on-reading is ざ.
• Basic usage: 座る(すわる) means to sit, while 座席(ざせき) means a seat.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Sitting down and a designated seat
  • 椅子に座った means sat in a chair. As in 床に座る, 座る also applies to sitting on the floor.
  • 窓側の座席 means a window seat. 座席 is a place reserved or located before a performance, distinct from the act of sitting expressed by 座る.