Challenge 4 Difficult Kanji That Even Adults Get Wrong

Answer Check!

Question 1: 胡坐

Thank you for telling me! After researching, it turns out that 胡坐 used to be written as “胡床” and was a chair transmitted from foreign ethnicities. It later evolved into floor sitting in Japan, and while both the seat and character changed, “胡” remained. During the Heian period, female attendants did it openly too, but from the Muromachi period onward, due to clothing reasons, women became mainly associated with seiza. Now it seems more women are sitting cross-legged too. The power of floor sitting to relax mind and body is something Japanese people should cherish.

Question 2: 所以

Thank you for telling me! After researching, I learned that 所以 (yuuen) means “reason,” “why,” or “origin.” It seems the etymology comes from the Kanbun reading “故 (yue) ni nari,” which changed to “yuuen nari.” “所” means “place” and “以” means “yue” (reason), so together it means “the place that serves as reason” – quite a lovely composition! It’s old-fashioned but still used in business settings today. Every event must have meaning and reason behind it; perhaps that’s what creates the richness of life ~ I felt quite spiritual about it.

Question 3: 著しい

Thank you for telling me! After researching, I learned that 著しい comes from “ichi + shirushi” and means “conspicuous” or “clearly noticeable.” It seems it was “ichishirushi” in the medieval period and evolved from there. When there’s a marked change, it might be a sign that the universe is moving in a big way ✨

Question 4: 河豚

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

How many did you read correctly?

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

Thank you for reading, and I look forward to seeing you next time!

About Spirituali-chan

Spirituali-chan is a somewhat spiritual girl. In this series, Spirituali-chan introduces kanji she encountered while reading spiritual books!

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