リーチ
Meanings
1
riichi; declaring ready hand in mahjong
usually written using kana alonemahjong
In mahjong, the call made when a player's hand is fully concealed and one tile away from winning. The term is also used as a loanword in English mahjong circles.
from Chinese lìzhí
He declared riichi on the 9th turn.
2
one step away from victory; on the verge of success
usually written using kana alone
Figurative use derived from mahjong, meaning being very close to achieving a goal. Common in casual conversation.
We're just one step away from the championship; we're practically in riichi.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉がリーチをかけるto declare riichi
He declared riichi with a strong hand.
- 〈事〉にリーチをかけるto be one step away from achieving something
Our team is one win away from the championship.
- 〈人〉にリーチがかかるto have riichi declared against one, putting one at risk
Since the player across from me declared riichi, I can't discard any dangerous tiles.