1.
formal Japanese sitting, kneeling position
The traditional Japanese sitting posture of kneeling with legs folded underneath, sitting on one's heels. Considered the most formal way to sit on tatami.
正座して待っていた。
I was waiting in formal sitting position.
長い時間正座すると足が痺れる。
Your legs go numb if you sit in seiza for a long time.
茶道では正座が基本の姿勢とされている。
In the tea ceremony, seiza is considered the standard posture.
KANJI:
正 (correct/proper) + 座 (sitting). Literally "correct sitting."
USAGE:
正座する is the verb form (to sit in seiza). This posture is expected in formal settings like 茶道 (tea ceremony), 書道 (calligraphy), and 武道 (martial arts), as well as at funerals and formal gatherings on 畳.
Many modern Japanese people find 正座 uncomfortable for extended periods, and it is common for legs to fall asleep (足が痺れる).
NOTE ON HOMOPHONES:
Do not confuse with 星座 (constellation), which has the same reading.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 正座する: to sit in seiza
- 正座を崩す: to shift out of seiza into a more relaxed position
- 足が痺れる: legs go numb (from seiza)