koan

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a paradoxical anecdote or a riddle that has no solution; used in Zen Buddhism to show the inadequacy of logical reasoning

Etymology

From Japanese 公案 (kōan), derived from Chinese 公案 (gōng'àn, “official business”).

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