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).
I sat cross-legged on the floor.
The verb phrase meaning 'to sit cross-legged'. Very common in everyday speech.
He was sitting cross-legged watching TV.
Kanji form of あぐら, but rarely used in modern writing. The kana form is preferred.
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.
Crossing legs while sitting on a chair or floor, not necessarily the tailor-style floor sitting.
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.
During the meeting, he sat with his legs crossed.