幻
ゲン, まぼろし

phantasm, vision, dream, illusion, apparition

JLPT1 G7 S4 F1564

The relevant seal inscription form is a reverse image of the seal inscription form of 予 (stretch), suggesting the faintly visible tip of a thread stretching/protruding beyond a surface. The present style combines 幺 slender thread with an element signifying a slight wavering. The common reference is to a faintly wavering, slender thread → *illusion*; *vision*; *specter*; *phantom* → *confusion*.

[Full Kanji Etymology List]