膝

knee; lap

Kanji 2100

See what a Buddhist priest and a mollusk have to do with kneecaps. Also learn what role the knee plays with regard to intimacy, romance, negotiations, protection, influence, respect, and sudden emotion or comprehension. Find out why the Japanese would go down on one or both knees, even sliding forward on the knees instead of walking, and why rakugo performers hide their knees.

Revision history:

June 9, 2021: 

• p. 1: Changed the look-alikes list a lot.
• p. 2: Updated the Henshall etymology.
• p. 17: Expanded on the last quiz answer and added a link to the Kanshudo games.

Nov. 21, 2015: Originally published.