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Proverbs

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.
日本語で読む
どこでも住めば住みやすくなるという意味。

Cultural Context:

Reflects adaptability in Japanese culture. Common in personal life discussions.
日本語で読む
日本文化の適応力を反映。生活の話題でよく使われる。

Grammar & Learning Points

Grammar Point

• 住めば (sumeba) = conditional form of 住む (sumu, “to live”), meaning “if one lives”<br>• 都 (miyako) = “capital” or “metropolis” (noun), often implying a pleasant or desirable place<br>The proverb is a conditional clause followed by a noun, where the condition implies transformation of perception through familiarity.
日本語で読む
• 住めば = 動詞「住む」の仮定形で「住めば〜」の意味<br>• 都 = 「都・首都」を表す名詞で、快適で住みよい場所の比喩としても使われる<br>仮定節 + 名詞 という形で、慣れによって評価が変わることを表す構造です。

Trap for English Speakers

Could be misunderstood as promoting any place as a capital, rather than comfort through familiarity.
日本語で読む
地名や都市ランクの話と誤解されやすく、「慣れればどこでも住みやすい」という文化的価値観を逃しやすい。

Example

Example 1Basic Example

  1. 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.

Example 2Applied Example

  1. 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.

Quick check

Meaning

What does 「住めば都」 mean?

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