幻

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: Written 幻 and read まぼろし, it denotes an apparition that seems visible or a hope that proves unreal and vanishes.
• Basic usage: It appears as a castle beyond fog and as an expectation of easy success that comes to nothing.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Vision versus unrealized hope
  • The word extends from something apparently seen to plans or expectations lacking reality.