足を組む

• Reading: あしをくむ
• Romaji: ashi wo kumu
• Kanji breakdown: 足 (soku/ashi) — foot, leg; 組 (so/ku) — assemble, cross, braid
• Pronunciation: /a.ɕi.o.kɯ.mɯ/

Meaning

To cross one's legs. The physical action of placing one leg over the other while seated.

An expression using Group 1 (godan) verb 組む. While common in Western cultures, crossing legs in Japan can be seen as rude in formal settings, interviews, or when facing elders. Awareness of this cultural nuance is important for social situations.

Examples

1. 電車の中で足を組むのはマナー違反だ。 Crossing your legs on the train is considered bad manners.
2. 彼は足を組んでソファに座っていた。 He was sitting on the sofa with his legs crossed.
3. 面接で足を組まないように気をつけた。 I was careful not to cross my legs during the interview.

Usage Guide

Context: manners, daily life, etiquette

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

A straightforward compound of 足 (leg) and 組む (to cross, to fold together). The verb 組む originally meant to interlock or weave, applied here to the interlocking of legs.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal