Zashiki
/zaɕiki/noun
A traditional Japanese room or reception space with tatami flooring, often used for formal entertaining.
Did you know?In Japanese folklore, the zashiki-warashi is a childlike house spirit believed to bring prosperity to homes where it resides.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Chinese
Middle Chinese
座
“A seat, sitting place, or place of assembly; the source of Japanese za.”
Old Japanese
Japanese
敷く (shiku)
“To spread, lay down, or cover a surface; the native verb underlying shiki.”
Heian Period
Japanese
座敷 (zashiki)
“A room or area prepared with mats for sitting; literally a place where a sitting surface is laid out.”
Edo Period
Japanese
座敷 (zashiki)
“A formal tatami room used for guests, ceremonies, meals, and entertainment.”
20th Century
English
zashiki
“An English loanword referring to a traditional Japanese tatami room or formal reception room.”