Translation guide
Describes sitting on the floor with legs crossed in front of the body. Japanese has specific terms for formal and informal cross-legged sitting, and the choice depends on context, gender, and politeness.
Sitting on the floor with legs loosely crossed in front, common in casual settings.
The most common word for sitting cross-legged in a relaxed, informal way. Often used with the verb かく (to sit cross-legged).
床にあぐらをかいて座った。
I sat cross-legged on the floor.
The verb phrase meaning 'to sit cross-legged'. Very common in everyday speech.
彼はあぐらをかいてテレビを見ていた。
He was sitting cross-legged watching TV.
Kanji form of あぐら, but rarely used in modern writing. The kana form is preferred.
胡坐をかくのは楽だ。
Sitting cross-legged is comfortable.
Sitting with legs folded under in a formal, traditional way, typically for men in seiza-like contexts but with crossed legs.
Full lotus position used in meditation. Very formal and specific to Buddhist practice. Not used in daily life.
僧侶は結跏趺坐で瞑想した。
The monk meditated in the full lotus position.
Half lotus position, also for meditation. Less formal than full lotus but still technical.
Crossing legs while sitting on a chair or floor, not necessarily the tailor-style floor sitting.
General phrase for crossing one's legs, whether on a chair or floor. Can refer to crossing at the ankles or knees.
彼女は椅子に座って足を組んだ。
She sat on the chair and crossed her legs.
Same as 足を組む but uses the kanji for leg. Slightly more formal or written.
会議中、彼は脚を組んで座っていた。
During the meeting, he sat with his legs crossed.
あぐら specifically means sitting on the floor with legs crossed in front (tailor style). 足を組む is more general and can mean crossing legs while sitting on a chair or floor. Use あぐら for casual floor sitting, and 足を組む when the position is ambiguous or on a chair.
あぐら is considered informal and traditionally masculine. In formal settings or for women, sitting in seiza (正座, kneeling) is more appropriate. Avoid using あぐら in polite or formal contexts unless you are in a very casual environment.
彼は半跏趺坐で座禅を組んだ。
He sat in the half lotus position for zazen.