Challenge 4 Difficult Kanji That Even Adults Get Wrong. Spirituali-chan’s Reading Practice for Difficult Kanji.

Let’s check the answers!

Question 1: 胡坐

Thank you for telling me! After researching, it turns out that 胡坐 was once written as “胡床” and was a chair brought from ethnic minorities. It evolved into floor sitting in Japan, and while both the character for “floor” and “sitting” changed, the “胡” remained. During the Heian period, court ladies openly did it too, but after the Muromachi period, it became mainly seiza due to clothing reasons. Nowadays, it seems more women as well as men are sitting cross-legged. The power of ground sitting to relax the mind and body is something Japanese people should treasure.

Question 2: 所以

Thank you for telling me! After researching, it turns out that 所以 (yuuen) means “reason,” “cause,” or “origin.” It appears the etymology comes from the Kanbun reading “故 (yuue) ni nari,” which evolved into “yuuen nari.” The character “所” means “place” and “以” means “yuue” = reason, so it literally means “the place where reason resides” – what a wonderful composition! It’s old-fashioned but is still used in business settings today. I felt a bit spiritual thinking that every event has meaning and reason behind it, and maybe that’s what creates the richness of human life~

Question 3: 著しい

Thank you for telling me! After researching, it turns out that 著しい (ichijirushii) comes from “ichi + shirushi” and means noticeable or clearly understandable. During the medieval period it was “ichishirushi” which evolved. When there’s a marked change, it might be a sign that the universe is moving greatly ✨

Question 4: 河豚

Thank you for telling me! After researching, it turns out that 河豚 is called “fugu” because it’s a fish that puffs up 🐡 Since it inhabits rivers in China, the characters “河豚” were assigned to it. “Fukube” is an old name, and “katon” is an alternate name. The way it puffs up when intimidating enemies, that courage… it’s like the leaves of fish~ I might be sensing some mystical energy! 💫

How many questions could you read?

If you got them all right, you’re certified as a kanji master! Even Spirituali researched along with you and feels a bit smarter♪

I look forward to seeing you next time!

About Spirituali-chan

Spirituali-chan is a girl with a little spiritual side. In this series, Spirituali-chan is reading spiritual books and introduces kanji she encounters!

This is a translated report from Japan’s Perfect World Tokyo.