pattern

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 紋 has 10 strokes and denotes a visible pattern on a surface.
• Basic usage: 指紋 is read しもん, and 波紋 is read はもん.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Finger patterns and marks
  • 画面についた指紋 means fingerprints left on a screen.
  • 指紋 refers to the patterns on fingers and the marks they leave.
• Ripples and repercussions
  • 円い波紋が広がった means circular ripples spread.
  • 仲間の間に波紋を呼んだ means caused repercussions among colleagues.
  • 波紋 also describes the spreading effects of a remark or event.