Japanese with Manga

Strangeness and wonder with 奇

奇 represents something that is different from the norm or an unusual state.

Etymology

This kanji is pictographic-phonetic compound, combining 大 (a large person) and 可 (to bend) for the sound.

Surprises

奇襲 (Surprise attack)

奇襲(きしゅう) refers to an attack that catches the enemy off guard by striking at an unexpected time, place, or in an unexpected manner.

It combines 奇 (unusual) with 襲 (attack) to show an unexpected attack.

Manga panel from くノ一ツバキの胸の内 showing example of Strangeness and wonder with 奇.
くノ一ツバキの胸の内 » Volume 5 » Page 120

During a training session, Tsubaki quickly subdues Asagao. Sazanka uses this opportunity to launch a surprise attack, only for Tsubaki to anticipate it and take her down as well.

ツバキ:
「不意(ふい)をつくばかりじゃダメです。」
“You can't rely just on surprise attacks.”
「基本(きほん)があるからこそ奇襲(きしゅう)が活(い)きるんです。」
“It's precisely from having fundamentals that surprise attacks become effective.”
サザンカ:
「はい…」
“Yeah...”

Tsubaki is teaching that being clever or tricky (using surprise attacks) isn’t enough on its own. True skill comes from mastering the basics first, which then make those surprise moves actually work.

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Wonders

奇遇 (Fortuitous meeting)

奇遇(きぐう) refers to an unexpected meeting or a mysterious twist of fate.

It combines 奇 (strange) with 遇 (encounter) to show a remarkable chance meeting.

Manga panel from それでも歩は寄せてくる showing example of Strangeness and wonder with 奇.
それでも歩は寄せてくる » Volume 1 » Page 33

On her way home from grocery shopping, Urushi sees Ayumu from shogi club at school.

うるし:
「なんだお前(まえ)か　奇遇(きぐう)だな」
“Oh, it's you. What a coincidence.”
歩(あゆむ):
「いえ　奇遇(きぐう)じゃないです」
“No, it's not a coincidence.”
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