This character is depicted exactly as people saw it in ancient times. The mask was used for their ceremonies and festivals, and the mask itself embodied the very gods they believed in.
mask(面)
eye(目)
This shape symbolizes a specific part of the human face—the eye itself.
festival(祭)
On the left side, you can see meat placed on a table as an offering to the gods. On the right side is a hand. This character means ‘festival,’ which originally referred to a sacred ritual held for the gods.
bean(豆)
This character features a stand used for food or ritual offerings. The symbol for ‘beans’ originated from this very shape. In ancient times, beans were likely placed on this stand as an offering to the gods.
もともとは神様へのお供え物をのせる、脚のついた器（高杯・たかつき）の形を描いた漢字です。大昔、この器に豆を盛って神様に捧げていたことから、しだいに作物の「豆（まめ）」そのものを表すようになりました。
Words & Phrases
- 大豆（daizu）:Soybeans
- 小豆（azuki）:Azuki beans
- 納豆（nattou):Natto is a traditional Japanese food made from fermented soybeans.
- 豆腐（tofu）:Tofu is a soft food made from soy milk, similar to soy cheese.
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defeated(負)
This character reflects a unique philosophy and means ‘to be defeated.’ The top part shows a person over the ground, and the bottom part is a shell, which represents ancient money. Together, it illustrates someone proudly sitting on top of wealth. In a spiritual sense, this represents being defeated by greed.
dance(舞)
bend(曲)
This character shows a piece of wood being bent and held in place with a tight rope. Therefore, it means ‘to bend’.
木の板や枝を、縄や枠を使ってぐっと折り曲げている様子を描いた漢字です。まっすぐなものをたわめる「曲げる・曲がる」という意味を表します。
Words & Phrases
- 婉曲（enkyoku）：To soften bad news
- 楽曲（gakkoyku):Piece of music,song
- 紆余曲折（uyokyokusetsu):A euphemism is a polite, indirect word or expression used to refer to something embarrassing, unpleasant, or taboo.
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phantom(幻)
live(生)
compare(比)
This character depicts two men dancing and matching their steps against each other. Therefore, it carries the meaning ‘to compare’.