Japanese meaning of 住めば都

Reading:
すめばみやこ (sumeba miyako)

English Translation:

Home is where you make it

Meaning & Cultural Context

Meaning:


Any place can feel like home once you get used to it.

Cultural Context:


Reflects adaptability in Japanese culture. Common in personal life discussions.

Grammar & Learning Points

Grammar Point

• 住めば (sumeba) = conditional form of 住む (sumu, “to live”), meaning “if one lives”
• 都 (miyako) = “capital” or “metropolis” (noun), often implying a pleasant or desirable place
The proverb is a conditional clause followed by a noun, where the condition implies transformation of perception through familiarity.

Trap for English Speakers

Could be misunderstood as promoting any place as a capital, rather than comfort through familiarity.

Example

Basic Example

引っ越して不安だったけど、もう慣れた。住めば都だね。

I was nervous after moving, but now I’m settled—Home is where you make it.


Applied Example

冒険者ギルドの寮も慣れれば快適。住めば都。

Even the guild dorm feels cozy after a while—Home is where you make it.