十 字(じゅうじ)

じゅうじ

noun

cross (shape), crucifix shape

1. cross (shape), crucifix shape, plus sign shape

The shape formed by two lines crossing at right angles, like a plus sign (+). Named because it resembles the kanji 十(じゅう). Used for the shape itself, not specifically the Christian cross (though it can refer to that too).

十字(じゅうじ)に交(こう)わる道(みち)。

Roads that cross in the shape of a cross.

赤(あか)い十字(じゅうじ)のマークが見(み)えた。

I could see the red cross symbol.

腕(うで)を十字(じゅうじ)に組(く)んで相手(あいて)の攻撃(こうげき)を防(ふせ)いだ。

He crossed his arms into a cross shape to block the opponent's attack.

十字(じゅうじ) refers to a cross or plus-sign shape, named for its resemblance to the kanji 十(じゅう). It describes the shape itself, not exclusively the Christian cross.

Compounds

十字架(じゅうじか): crucifix, cross (Christian)
十字路(じゅうじろ): crossroads, four-way intersection
赤十字(せきじゅうじ): Red Cross
十字軍(じゅうじぐん): Crusades

Common patterns

十字(じゅうじ)に交(まじ)わる: to cross in a plus shape
十字(じゅうじ)を切(き)る: to make the sign of the cross
十字(じゅうじ)に組(く)む: to cross (arms, etc.) in an X-shape

Usage

Appears frequently in everyday vocabulary. 十字路(じゅうじろ) is a common word for a four-way intersection, and 赤十字(せきじゅうじ) is widely recognized. In martial arts and anime, 十字(じゅうじ)に組(く)む describes crossing arms for blocking.

Related Words

Compare: クロス (cloth)

general

Added 2026.2.18 23:16 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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