seiza

English

Etymology

Japanese 正座 (seiza, literally “proper sitting”).

Noun

seiza (uncountable)

1. A traditional formal way of sitting in Japan, by kneeling with the legs folded underneath the thighs and the buttocks resting on the heels, with ankles turned outward.
   • 2024 February 10, Helen Barrett, “The underappreciated style of Yoko Ono”, in FT Weekend, Life & Arts, page 5:

     She arranged herself with her legs folded beneath her, spine erect, echoing “seiza”, the Japanese sitting position adopted in formal situations.

Japanese

Romanization

seiza

1. Rōmaji transcription of せいざ