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101 Japanese bt its Lua aciccnele bBo no nat nguage and Culture Through Popular Phra fee. Jwanu ga Hana ake 0 Watta Yoo BbmAte Weilors5 “Not Saying Is the Flower” “As Clean As a Split Bamboo" Ude o Migalu BEAD Tlie “To Polish One's Arms” “Packed Like Susht” TERA TCN ATT! Here Are 101 Keys to You find cuture-specitc expressions such os sannin yoreba monju no chie (‘three people together have the wisdom of Budcho") nature-eloted phrases such os Xeumo o teukam yoo (the gasping clout). ond expressions thot reflect ‘aditional activities such os Astord umoo © ‘tara (io wrest c one-man sumo (match). ‘and youl learn why these common idioms have come to mean what they do. The charmingly ilustatedidlorrs have been ‘arranged iio sx sections —ncluding: ‘Relating to Nature m Creatures Large and Small m From Place fo Place m and more. Youtl {gain perspectives on what the Joponese choose fo describe rice ladles, cranes. bubbles...) nd how they think about their word (concepls such as beauty sensitivity, ‘ond obligation} och idlom—wntten in both romanized and Japanese forms—Is. ‘accompanied by an explanation and then incorporated into @ dialogue to [katate the iclor everyday use. These diciogues focitate understanding ‘ond make the laiorns core alive! PASSPORT BOOKS Pe eeacer a 1 di of NTC Pubs Gro This entertaining text offers weaith of linguistic and cultura information for anyone studying Japanese, going to Japan, orin Contact with Japanese tends or coleagues 101 Japanese Idioms Understanding Japanese Language and Culture Through Popular Phrases ‘Michael L. Maynard Senko K. Maynard Mlustrations by Taki PASSPORT BOOKS [SEEeAte pein ae 1904 Ping eed te a die NTC ting Cn Poem Rteacesas Sareat ‘aed ert mnt, Contents Preface ei Section One: Idioms Relating to Nature Things That Grow: Gomasuri o Hana ni Arashi © Hana yori Dango © Imo [no Ko] 0 Arau Yoo ® Iwanu ga Hana © Korogaru Ishi ni Koke Musazu © Minory odo Atama no Sagary Inoho Kana © Nemawashi © Ne mo Ha mo Nai © Sakura © Sanshoo wa Kotsubu de mo [Piririo] Karai 2 Takone no Hana ® Take 0 Watta Yoo © Uri Futatsu © Yoraba Taiju no Kage Water, Wind, and Clouds: Ame go Furco to Yori 10 Furoo to 9 Ame Futte Ji Katomarv 2 Kaze no fayori 8 Kumo o Tsukamu Yoo = Mizu ni Nagasu 9 Mizu no Awa ® Mizu 0 Utia Yoo © Mizu Shooboi 2 Yakeishi ni Mizu Section Two. Idioms Creatures Large and Small 25-46 Birds and Beasts: Ashimoto karo Tori go Tatsu © Hane o Nobasu ® Karite Kita Neko no Yoo 2 Neko ‘mo Shakushi mo © Neko ni Koban Neko no Hitai 8 Neko no Te mo Karitai © Onaji Ana no Mujina 8 Suzume no Namida « Tatsu Tori Ato 0 Nigosazu © Tsuru no Hitokoe © Uma no Hone Fish, Frogs, and Others: Gomame no Hogishiri © Hachi no Su 0 Tsutsuita Yoo © Hippori Dako © | no Naka no Kawazu [Taikai o Shirazu] © Ka no Naku Yeona Koe © Manaita no Ue no Koi 2 Mushi no Iki © Nokitsura ni Hachi © Saba o Yomu « Tade Kuu ‘Mushi mo Sukizuki Section Three: The Human Body Abata mo Ekubo © Agura 0 Kaku © Ashimoto 0 Miru © Ashi o Arau 9 Atma ga Sagaru © Awaseru Kao ga Nai 2 Horagei © Ishin Denshin 0 Kao ga Hiroi © Kotami ga Semaio Koshi go Hiku © Mimi go Ho © Ryooyaku Kuchi ni Nigashi © Shinzoo ga Tsuyoi © Shiroi Me de Miru © Tsura no Kawa ga Atsui 2 Ude © Migaku 0 Ushirogami 0 Hikareru Omoi 8 Ushiroyubi 0 Sasareru Yoo Section Four: Idioms From One to Ten and More 66-76 Chiti mo Tsumoreba Yama to Naru © Happoo Bijin 9 Hito Hata Ageru © Hitori Zumoo o Toru © Ishi no Ue ni mo Sannen © Juunin Toiro 2 Nimaijita o Tsukav 12 Nino Ashi o Fumu 9 Onna Sannin Yoreba Kashimoshii 2 Sannin Yoreba Monju no Chie 8 Sushizume Section Five: Idioms ‘From Place to Place 77-88 ‘Ana ga Attara Hairitoi © Ishibashi o Totaite Watary © Kusowake 2 Onobori-san Sumeba Miyako © Watari ni Fune Section Six: Idioms ‘More Cultural Keys 83-101 ‘Asameshi Moe © Baka wa Shinanakya Naoranai © Chan-Pon © Deru Kui wa Utarery 9 Hokoiri Musume 2 Juubako no Sumi o [Yeoji de] Tsutsuku © Kataboo o Katsugu © Kooin Ya no Gotoshi 2 Koshikake © Kusai ‘Mono ni wa Futa 0 Surv 2 Madogiwo Zoku» Noren fii Udeoshi 0 Onaji Kama no Meshi 0 Kutta 9 Soji o Nageru © Sashimi no Tsuma © Sode no Shita © Suna © Kamu Yoo © Taikoban 0 Osu © Youshuu no Bi o Kazaru Indexes Idioms listed by key images 215 Idioms listed alphabetically Bz Preface The picturesque, idiomatic phrase captures the true essence of a society better than its equivalent prosaic description. Saying, for example, in Japanese, “it was packed like sushi,” to describe the morning commuter train rush, is o more colorful, and, we thiak, preferable way of saying, “it was very crowded.” Besides, “packed like sushi’ (sushizume) comes direcly from the culture; virtually every Japanese knows that sushi is packed fightly in boxes typically sold in take-out sushi shops and at train stations Thus the idiom resonates i quickly esablshes rapport. A mastery of Jopanese idioms will help you Understond the cufure ond speck e more autnente style of Japanese. ‘When you use idioms such as sushizume among your Japanese friends, colleagues, and business associates, you create emotional bonds that bring you closer to their culture. Since the Jopanese ore conditioned to believe that no people outside of the Japanese islands really know or care deeply about their culture, your use of a Japanese idiom in the appropriate context will both astound and delight them. More important, your command of Jopanese idioms can lead to a deeper understanding of the Japanese people. In this book, we introduce 101 popular Japanese idioms and expressions that we believe are both interesting and useful fo students of Jopanese language and culture. Each idiom is fist introduced in, Romanization, followed by Jopanese orthography, ond then a literal franslation. Literal translotions are deliberate, since combined with the visual, they lead You to the source of the phrase, which comes directly ‘out of Japanese mythology, nature imagery, animal ‘ssociations, or the human body as metaphor. We have purposely translated suzume no namida 1 “tears of a sparrow,” for example, because suzume zno namida literally—and naturally—and in a Japanese ‘way, says “small.” Had we translated it loosely to mean “a tad,” a great deol of the flavor ond texture of the phrase would have been lost in the rendering. (Our literal translations of Japanese idioms cre what set this Book apart from other books on this same subject. In addition, background information on the origin or popular usage of each idiom offers valuable insights into Jopanese culture. We have also added o sample text to provide o context in which the idiom is generolly used. To assist you in studying the language, sample text is presented in three stages: Romanization, Jopanese orthography, ‘and finally English. Translations and narratives are the ‘authors’ personal interpretations, “The book can be read from beginning to end in cone siting, or can be read in whatever order you choose. For handy reference, an alphabetical index of idioms as well as an index of idioms organized by key images ore provided. ‘Extra study hint: After you've looked at each entry, go through the book « second ime and place your hand over the top port of the left-hand page. See if you can recite the idiom in Japanese simply by looking at the illustration. This book is intended for onyone who hes on interest in learning more about the Japanese language and culture. Whether you are currently enrolled in o Japanese languoge course, are planning a trip to Japan, are curious about Japanese Philosophy, or simply want to get to know your Japanese friends better, you will refer to this anthology of colorful Japanese idioms again ‘and again. ‘Michael L. Maynard Senko K. Maynard Section One Relating to Nature Things That Grow 1-15 Water, Wind, and Clouds “sesame grinding” (ingratiating oneself, apple-polishing, overtly flattering, toadying, sucking up to one’s superiors) ‘When @ person makes on overly ingratiating remark, he cr she is “grinding sesame seeds.” Others call attention to the gomasuri either by saying the word, by (nonverbally) meking motions with the fst over the palm of the other hand (simulating the grinding of roasted sesome seeds with @ pestle and mortar), or by doing both. Like the messy sesame seeds ground up in the mortar, the person seeking favor is sticking to everything (one). Sample text: (Style: spoken/formal/male) ‘A: Katoo-san iyoiyo kakarichoo ni shooshin cashii desu yo. B: Yoppori soo desu ka. Koko sonnen kan zutto gomasuri © yatte kta n da kara, sorosore kakorichoo ni nary daree fo wa omottemashita kedo ne. As INES AW £9 ERIS LOUTH Es B RolLN LI CHM. COS HWTETET NERS TERARIG, EATARREREESI ERB OT Linea, ‘A: I hear Mr. Kato is Finally going to be promoted to section chiet. B: Just as | thought. | was thinking he would make section chief soon since he's been apple-polishing for the past three years. > “Blossoms bring storms.” (Life often brings misfortune at the time of great happiness.) This foolistc insight is a shortened version of tsuki ni ‘muragumo, hana ni arasti, whichis literally transloted, “Clouds over the moon, storm over blossoms.” It often seems that misfortune looms behind even the happiest moments Sample text (Style: spoken/casval/femele) ‘A: Kekkon shite isshuukan de kyuuni goshuiin go nywuin to wa okinodoku nee. B: Shiawase jppai no fokoro ni zannen nee. Demo maa “hana ni arashi" fo yuu kurai da kara, kooyuu koto ‘mo unmei de shikata go nai wa ne. As #686 CSc BBL olten HC VEE hb, IEAM ABEL BRO E (tR. Chee [EIR & CRIA A: It's foo bed. Only married a week and her new husband got hospitalized. B: Too bad, when she was so hoppy. But as they soy, “Life often brings misfortune at the time of great happiness.” It's simply fate. You can't help it + Hana yori Dango © “Sweets are preferred to EEN BAS: flowers.” ce (The practical is preferred over the aesthetic.) Every spring on the doy of “flower viewing,” Japanese tradiionally travel to the countryside or visit parks to ‘appreciate the beauty of noture. Yet human nature being what iti, people seem fo show considerably more interest in the food than in the flowers. ‘Sample text: (Style: spoken/casval/A=female, B=mole) ‘A: Iya do wa. Aki-chan tara sekkaku chanami nikita noni, fabete bakar ite. Br Ako, omae wa yoppari hana yori dango no taipu do A: RH, HEH eA bts m6 BIRD ATIEMYOT, B: AB, BILE POE DEENEALOY 4 7. ‘A: Oh boy, Aki-chan is only interested in food, while we came to appreciate the cherry blossom trees in full bloom. B: Akio, you're the type who prefers the practical over the aesthetic, aren't yout “like washing [a bucketful of] potatoes” (so crowded you can hardly turn around, jam-packed, mobbed with people) Summer weekends at the beoch in Jopan are impossible. The beaches ore so crowded that you can hardly make space for your beach mat. When hordes of people play in the waist-deep ocean waters, wave after wave josties them into each other. This commotion resembles @ wooden bucketful of potatoes sioshing around while being washed by the agitator. Usage is restricted to water-related scenes, Sample text: (Style: writtenlinformal) Shichigatsu gejun no nichiyoobi, natsuyosumi ni hoitia node, kodemozure no kazoku ga ookv, koisui yokyjoo wa imo [no ko] © arau yoona konzotsuburi fo natio. EN PUOHRA, AC Ac hOT, FORO RDA SS, WAEMISE (OF) © SIRES) Lt te Since it was @ Sunday toword the end of July and summer vacation, there were a lot of families with kids, and the beach was jam-packed. Iwanu ga Hana SDyaDYe Co RA. “Not saying is the flower.” (Some things are better left unsaid; silence is golden.) Since one can never really “take back’ what one says, there isa high premium on thinking things through before ‘opening one’s mouth. Much harm and nonsense can result from il-chosen words. Thus the philosophical cbservation that “*Not saying isthe flower” (Style: spoken/casval/female) A: Kare ni wa yappari himitsu ni shite okoo to omou no. B: Soo ne. “Iwanu ga hana” tte kotowaza mo arushi ne, rit) WHI LTB: Tepmnte) 2 ‘As | think I'l keep it @ secret from him. B: That's good. You know the proverb, “Silence is golden.” Ce Korogaru Ishi ni Koke Musazu EPSAKBCSF j‘S “A stone that rolls gathers no moss.” (Perseverance pays off; patience is a virtue.) For the Jopanese, moss is something to be admired, Associated with beauty, moss grows on rocks and in pathways of old temples in places lke Kyoto. Yet the stone that continues to tumble will never have moss. So this expression is often used to admonish others to stay pul, to continue on in the same job. Ironically, this expression is also used by some Japanese to mean the very opposite, ite, the meaning understood by Americans: keep moving or you'll get old. Sample text: (Style: writtenvinformal) Ichido nyuusha shitaro, shooshoo taihenna koto ga cate mo, Zuo sono kaisha ni fsutemeta hoo ga ii. “Korogaru ishi ri koke musazu"” fo iwareru yooni shokuba 0 amor kkawary no wa konomeshii koto dewo noi. BAULAS, DARREL EAT, FOLEOR Mori iow, [eesecaos st] LAbNS MMe fe) Ob SOIREE LOT ECR, (Once @ person is employed, he or she is better off staying in the same company even when facing hardships. As the proverb “A stone that rolls gathers no moss” goes, itis not advisable to job-hop. Minoru hodo- | sen Atama no Sagar 1 ie mature rice plant Inaho Kana _ lowers its head” EAPO PRS Aik aze ona brings humility and respect for When rice is mature and ready to harvest the heaviness at the top ofthe plant pulls it down low to the ground. Jopanese see this as analogous to how the wisdom of Z years fils a man with humility and causes his head to bow heavily in his deep respect for life ond nature. Sample text: (Style: spoken/casval A=female, B=male) ‘As Kondo irashita Tayoma fukushachoo ne, rippona kota rashii wa nee. Meoshibun nai hitogara tte uwoso yo. B: Soo na n da. Sore ni fottemo kenkyede, ibatteiry fokoro {go mottoky nai hito rash ne. A: “Minoru hedo otama no sagaru incho kana” He ketowaza ga pitarino kata yo. . MIRED Libis HL © BRK BOA Linh, A: [RORROT HSM DE] oCCE DEBE 70 we ‘A: You know the new vice-president Tayama. | hear he's a wonderful person. They say his personality is just ideal B: | agree. Besides, he seems to be humble and never corrogant ‘A: He's the type that perfectly fits the proverb, “The mature rice plant lowers its head.” je “preparing the roots for transplanting” (informally securing prior approval, checking with everyone who counts before formal presentation, covering all the bases) Nemawashi now is used worldwide to characterize the consensus-building nature of Joponese business practices. Literally, nemewashi means cutting off excess roots and wrapping the remaining roots with a straw mot for protection when transplanting the tree. In business terms it ‘means an informal solicitation of agreement before formal submission of approval at « meeting, Sample text: (Style: spoken/cosual/male) AA: Kyo0 no kaigi umaku iky ka noe. B: Daijoabu daroo. Kanori nemawashi ni kan o kokete kiteshi, konkai no purojekuto wa buchoo mo noriki da JER red. 1: Do Oe ARE LICRM EDT CA EL, Hil DTP 27 PME RY RIDE o | wonder if today’s meeting is going to go well | think it willbe fine. | spent a let of time covering all the bases, ond I know the monager likes our proposal er a Ne mo : Ss “without roots or leaves” Ha mo Nai HES HED Br Ps (groundless, unsubstantiated) Roots give support to @ free much os facts give support to claims and allegations. Leaves validate the health of o tree, proving is life and vitelity. With neither support (roots) nor evidence (leaves), the (tre) allegation cannot stand. Sample text: (Giyle: spoken/cosval/A=male, B= female) ‘A: Yamada-san no okusan, uwaki shieru rash yo. B: Sonna koto, uso yo. Maitaky ne mo ha mo nai uwoso ni kimatterv wa. A: WM SAOREA, PRLTSH LY LS Br ZABLE, FEL, SMEMOTNI HSEKE OT ab. ‘Mrs. Yomada seems to be having an affoir. That's not true. That's o groundless rumor, for sur. ee ce “cherry blossom” (a shill, a plant, a confederate) This expression originates from the Edo period. A paid audience hired to applaud ond cheer the show was seated in the section of the theoter called "sakura." Sample text: (Style: spoken/casual/A=female, B= mole) ‘As Nani go sonnani ckashii no kashira. Ano hito sakki kara zutto warattery wo. B: Sakura janai ka. Okashikumo nai mandan ni hitori de geragera warattery n do kara. VWOPLE: SOASEHST OE ‘A: What's so funny? Thal guy’s been laughing awully long, B: Isn't he a shill? He's the only one laughing ot the boring monologue. Sanshoo wa Kotsubu de mo [Piririto] Karai RECS (OY Ye) eve “Japanese peppers are hot, though small.” (small but powerful, a mighty mite, a person of ability although small in size) Despite the small size of the Japanese pepper, it packs @ powerful, spicy punch. The phrase suggests that size isnt the only determinant of strength or ability. Sample te» (Style: spoken/casvel/male) > Yoru naa. Kachoo mata shooshin do tte. Iyoiyo buchoo roshil B: “Sanshoo wa ketsubu de mo karai” tle ne. Ween 3 REE iy eT OEVI ‘A; Great! Our section chief has been promoted again, Looks like he's going to be « manager now. 8; Well, they say, “Japanese peppers are hot, though small.” 7 OES, Takane no Hana > “flower on a high peak” aa O4E : (unrealizable desire, an unobtainable : object, something out of one’s reach) Wisfully prize you can see but simply cannot reach. The beeutiful lower is so far away that there is no real hope of picking it. Used to describe the object of desire which is completely out of reach. Ne Sample text: f (Style: spoken/casval/A~=female, B=male) a ‘A: Yamamoto-kun ne, Yooko-san ni kataomoi na n da tte B: Sorya, minoranu koi do. Aite go Yooko-san ja, tokane no hana da kare noo. As IDR, PPS AK TUG A oT. B SNe, ROW, MTMETSA LS, MOTE bib ‘A; You know Yamamoto, right? The rumor is he's in love with Yoko, but it’s « one-way affair B: Oh boy! That kind of love is fruitless. His heart may be set on Yoko, bul she really is an unobtainable prize. “as clean as a split bamboo” (honest, frank, decisive, a straight- shooter) When a bamboo pole is split lengthwise, the cutis true and straight—a clean split. Take © watta yoo describes 0 frank, decisive, and morally righteous person—usvally in reference to a man, but sometimes in reference to a Sample text: (Style: weitten/nforrnel) Nihonjin go konomu dansei no imaeji wa, take © watta yoona seikaky de, hakkiri shits ketsudanryoku no aru bito deary koto go ooi. Shikashi, pan ni jose ni wa take © watta yoona seikaky fo yuu yori, mushiro yasashisa go LANANEEIMED 4 —Yid, HEB oED RHC > ED LT THM DDE NCHS TEBE, Li ACAI ERO RES SHARES ED, el Laaeeng. The male image that the Japanese prefer is generally of a man who is henest, frank, and decisive. In a woman, however, they generally value tenderness much more highly thon frankness or decisiveness. oe Uri Futatsu “two halves of a eo cucumber” (two peas in a pod, Tweedledum and ‘Tweedledee, frick and frack) Nature provides ample evidence of perfect symmetry. Spit lengthwise, the two halves of a fruit or vegetable are perfectly identical. When two people ore so much alike in ‘appearance, they are uri futats. Sample text: (Sivle: spoker/casual/mole) ‘A; Ano kyoodai wa fulatsu chigai da kedo, matiaku uri futatsu do nee. Kono aida, machigaechatte ne. Komatta yo, hontonil A: HOBO ba, I, EbMLBeoT. Hh A: Those brothers are two years apart, yet they're as alike {8 two peas ina pod. The other day | mistook one for the other, and was | embarrassed! 15. a : : “ Yoraba Taiju no Kage “[Seek shelter in] the FoiLTAMOR shade of a big tree” (Choose secure and solid protection.) Shade is figurative for protection. The tree you choose should be important ond highly placed within your organization or in sociely in general. This expression is close in nucnce to “it never hurls to have friends in high places.” Sample te (Style: writen/nformal) Soikin no gakusei wa gakusha no kenkyuu tema dewa rnaku, gakusha no chimeido ya seijryoku ni yotte kyooju 0 erabu keikoo ga arv. ‘"Yeraba taiju ne kage” io yuu woke ka, PAIR ORT = 3 THR IE Tite, FROMMER iS, TES EAMOM) & There isa tendency among current students to choose an ‘academic mentor not because of the professor's research interests but because of the professor's fame or politcal clout. | suppose it’s because they say, “Seek shelter in the shade of a big tree.” Ass Ame ga Furoo to Yari ga Furoo to ASHES 5 EDTA 9 & “even if rain falls or spears fall” (no matter what, under any circumstances) This expression reflects the firm determination Japanese are expected to have toward achieving their goal. Once the objective is set, offer extensive deliberation ond consideration, “come hell or high water,” the project will be brought to a successful conclusion ‘Sample text: (Style: written/informel) Sonkagetsu mo mae kara yoieishiteita ryokoo da karo, coshito wa ame ga furoo fe yari ga fureo to shuppatsu suru tsumori do. a bib PE LCM TATED, WOME 5 EOS 5 CMBET SOL. I've been planning this trip for three months, so | intend to leave tomorrow, ne matter what. : : ee ey Ame Fuite di ee Se “Rain firms the ground.” Katamaru re (Adversity builds character; the more +- hall ft the Mio CHIE ooiesroes ‘Ame futte ji katamary is often said to the bride and groom ‘on their wedding day. In oddition to meaning that bod experiences may actuclly be good, the expression admonishes young newlyweds that, for betier or for worse, the ties that bind are strengthened through tough times. Sample text: (Style: spoken/formal) ‘A: Kekkon seikatsu wa mochiron barairo no koto bakari dewa nai deshoo. Ame futte ji katamary fo jwaremasu yoon’jinsei no kuroo © wakeatte suenogaku oshiawose ni A RMINIEG BAA tae Eid 3, Ws THEE SL GDATT LS Oe REC BRI. bcaeweLs AOE IE ‘As Married life will not olways be rosy. But os the saying “Rain firms the ground” goes, | hope you wil enjoy @ happy and long relationship os you share the hardships of life. o Kaze no Tayori (ae) “message carried on the HALO wind” (a rumor, a story without source) A letter delivered from the Ged of the Wind. Used to sugges news from en unnamed or an easily forgotten source. No direct line of communication exists. This expression compares with “litle birdie told me.” : Kaze no tayori de wa daigaku ni modotte benk shiteiru rashii wa yo. Doko no daigaku ka shi > You know that guy Smith, who went back to the U.S. lost year? I wonder whot he's up to nowadays. heard a rumor that he went back to school. I don't know which university, though. Kumoo ty F GS ts mu Yoo a | like grasping a cloud’ Stop os (wishful thinking, impossible dream) ince nobody can actually grasp a cloud, the expression denotes impossibility. From afar, « cloud has shape and form. Close-up, its gossamer essence dissipates of the ouch. So when o not-so-talented sixteen-year-old declores that she’s going to become a movie star, you con respond by saying it’s @ kumo 0 fsukamu yoona dream— mild ‘warning that the ambition or goal is highly unlikely to be realized Sample toxt: (Style: spoken/casva/A~=son, B=mother) ‘As Sakkyokuka ni naroo ka na. B: Sonna kume © tsukamu yoona koto bokari kangaeteiry kara itsu made tatte mo hitoridachi dekinai n desu yo. As FFIMAI A 9 totes AGBEDPCEI BEE OTHDE DRE CE NHR CS PSV ‘MTT he ‘A: You know, maybe I'll become a composer. B:_(Scolding] All you ever think about is impossible dreams like that! No wonder you've never been able to become financially independent. eo “to set things adrift” (to forgive and forget, to let bygones be bygones) A river carries bad memories away. By seting adrift the pain of a romantic breakup or the betrayal by once- trusted friend, you start things anew. Once into the river's flow, the thing-to-forget heads downstream, never 10 return ‘Semple text: (Style: spoken/formal/female) ‘As Desukara, sore wa moo wasuremashoo. Mukashi no kolo wa mizu ni nagashite, mata yori naoshimashoo yo. B: Soo ne. Sore ga ichibon ii wo ne, A: THD, THEVIGNELE I. HOC EKICRL TC. FAPVMLELIOE, B 3h, Shs Houba, A: So let’ forget about those doys. Lef bygones be bygones and try it again. B: Yes. That looks like the best ideo. “bubbles on the water” (all for nothing, effort in vain) ‘Stopping by c brook ond observing water bubbles forming ‘ond disappearing, a Jopanese may associate those bubbles with the transient nature of life. Used poetically to ‘ocknowledge that a great effort was in vain and now has vanished like bubbles on the water. ‘Sample text: (Style: spoken/casual/A~female, B= mole) ‘A: Michio-kun no sakkaa ne, are dake doryokushite shiai ri sonaeta noni, foojtsu ame de chuushi ni natta n do te. B: Sankagetsu no doryoku mo mizu ne awa ka. Kawaisooni no. DUIBNLTRAERALO akhtiats B SbHORWERDBM, DVS te ‘A: This thing about Michio's soccer. He practiced so herd, but the game got cancelled because of rain. B: Three months’ effort was all in vain! Poor thing. J Yo Ke oRLD “as if after scattered water” (so quiet you could hear a pin drop, dead silence) When performing the Tea Ceremony, it’s customary to scatter water along the entrance path. This ritual indicates preparation. The water cleans; it moistens the soil to contain the dust. It clso deadens the sound. Konfesuto no nywushoosha no happyoo ga hajimatia. Shikaisha ga maiku no mae ni tatsu fo, kaijoo wa isshun mizu 0 utfa yoona shizvkesa ni nott. YIANORMAOBRAAIL CE oh. HAT 170 HEL, QB MK ETO ED CMTS OK, The contest winners were about to be announced. When the Master of Ceremonies stepped up to the microphone, the crowd got se quiet you could hear a pin drop. “water business” (entertainment business, a chancy trade) Running water is not thought of as hoving a fixed rate of flow. Sometimes the water comes out strong, sometimes weak. Such is the “fluid” nature ofthe income levels for certain businesses. Mizu shoobai includes a variety of entertainment businesses—tea houses, entertainment spots, bars, massage parlors, and houses of prostitution. According to another etymological source, these businesses were situated along riverbanks, and thus the “water business,” Sample text: (Style: spoken/casualfemale) ‘A: Mori-san no musukosan ne, kekkon shitai rash kedo goryooshin ga hantai shiteru te uwosa nee. B: Soo na no yo. Nanishiro, cite go mizu shoobai no de rashii no yo. A: READRT EAR, HEL EOS Lot BCMA AE LeSoTi DER GOL, LD, MTOKBOMS LUM L. ‘A: Mrs. Mor’s son. It oppears he wants to get married, but both porents are agains it B: Thor's right. | hear that the bride-to-be is from the ‘entertainment business. ee Yakeishi ni Mizu 7 “water on a red-hot stone” BEA CAR : thax (a drop in the bucket, completely ineffective) A drop of water thrown on a red-hot stone is of no consequence. Instead of cooling the stone, the drop of ‘water evaporates in an instant. Yokeishi ni mizu expresses «grossly inadequate remedy to a problem. Sample text: (Style: spoken/casualffemele) ‘As Kongetsu wa monesugoi akoji na no yo. Sukoshi shokuhi © sefsuyaku shite mita kedo, yakeishi ni mizu de doonimo naranai wa. A: FAROOT CVA EL RUBICAKTHS D dao DP LACH LTA PIT Rbk, ‘A: We are ‘woy in the red this month. | tried to spend less for groceries, but it's a drop in the bucket | just don’t know what to do, Section Two Creatures Large and Small Birds and Beasts 25-36 Fish, Frogs, and Others 37-46 ag Ashimoto kara Tori ga Tatsu_ Bb EAS BAS 43. “Birds fly up from under one’s feet.” (an unexpected departure, a surprise, a sudden happening) What could be more starting then a pheasant or other ground-nesting bird flying up suddenly from in front of yout That's the feeling Japanese experience when a friend fr an acquaintance leaves without warning. To be caught Sample text: (Style: spoker/casvol/female) ‘As Tonari no manshon ni sundeita Kawckami-san, hikkoshita no? B: Ee. Kyuuni Shidonii ni ienkin de ne. Mattoku “ashimoto kara tori ga tatsu"” fo wo, ano koto ne. Aru hi kyvuni sotto hikibarotchatia no yo. A ERDOWYa or CHIMES A, Foil chat. 26 [RES mA DAARICAY EDR be ROE ‘A: Did Kewokami move, the guy next door in your condominium? B: Yeoh. He was unexpectedly transferred to Sydney. Such a surprise, you know. Suddenly one day he simply moved out. Hane o Nobasu ul “to stretch one’s wings” THR (RES ‘ ? / (to cut loose, to get rid of inhibition) Away from home or the office, without constraints of 2 position in society or conformity of rank within the Japanese company, one is more free to be adventurous. Hane 0 nobasu carries connotations of “sowing o few wild ats” os well as “letting one’s hair down” Sample text: (Style: written/informal) Nihonjin wa shigoto nado de isogashii no ga suki da keredo, foki ni wa shigoto ya katei o hanarete, ryokoo yo rejoa 0 fanoshinde, hane © nebasu koto mo aru. HAAN OCI Limane SUE, BRICETE PUL ILE NT, HIRI — ERAT, BARCEL bbs Japanese prefer to be busy ot work; but sometimes when they set foot outside the worksite and away from their homes to travel or pursue leisure activities, they really eut loose. Karite Kita Ge Neko no Yoo — 90 CALMOLG oe “like a borrowed cat” (as shy and quiet as a kitten) IF. cot has a distant and oloof personality even within its ‘own home, imagine how remote it would act in @ strange place. The expression describes a shy, timid person who is not at home in his surroundings. Sample text: (Giyle: spoken/casual/female) ‘A; Asobi ni kiteiru Takahashi-san no tokoro no Masao-kun, fottemo ofonashii n do tte? B: Soo rashii wa ne. Uchi de wa genki sugite komattery rashii kedo, yoso no uchi de wa karite kita neke no yeoni ofonashiin datte. : FETHOTSSLUIT EL LEOF SCRE TERBDL IBESLOA tote ‘A; | heor the Tokahashi’s boy Masao is visiting, but he's really quiet B; That's what | hear. He's almost hyperactive and troublesome at home, but in someone else's home, he's as shy and quiet as @ borrowed cat. Neko mo “@° Shakushi mo MEALS (38. “even cats and rice ladles” (everybody and his/her mother [brother] ‘According to one folk etymology, the rice ladle symbolizes housewives: since cats and housewives are virtually universal to Japanese households, the expression means “everybody.” An opposite interpretation holds cats to be rare and rice ladles to be universol, so that the expression is alkinclusive of both rare and abundant items. ‘Sample text: (Style: spoken/casvel/female) ‘A: Saikin mata sukaoto take ga sukoshi miikaky natta yoo B: Soo na no ye. Korede mata, neke me shakushi mo mijkai sukaato ni naru n desho. Kosei ga nakute iya ni nary wa ne, mattalu. A REEL LAA WALA Cot Lah, B £5204, CUCL, MEHFEMVAN—hILSA Lire Mitte CCheiezebn, 24. ‘A: It seems skirt lengths have shortened recently. B: You noticed, too? Now everybody and her mot will be wearing shorter skirts. There's absolutely no individual style—I hate it! “@° Neko ni Koban F/I “a gold coin before a cat” (pearls before swine) Koban is small oval-shaped gold coin which circulated in Japan prior to the Meili Restoration of 1868. The ‘expression is used when suggesting that not everyone can ‘appreciate an object to the same degree. Similar to “'do not cast pears before swine,” it means “don't offer anything of value ond merit to those who are incapable of appreciating it.” Sample text: (Style: spoken/cosual/femole) ‘A: Sosok-san no tokoro ne, musukosan no tome ni gurando piano o kota n da tte. Demo musukosan wo ‘ongaku ni wa mattoky kyoomi ga noi mitai yo, Neke at kkoban to wo ano koto ne. A: VAKEADE DAL, WFEAORDESIY FET? Co CH. ATS ALTPRICES < RUE BoAKOE, BINME OS Eh, ‘A; | hear that Sasoki bought a grand piano for his son, bt the son isn’t interested in music at all That is trly © case of “pearls before swine,” isn't if \@° Neko no Hitai — BM “cat's forehead” JED OR (extremely small in size) Cats are not known to have high foreheads. The ‘expression exaggerates the inadequacy of a space. Neko no hit’ is offen heard when prospective home buyers in Japan first see the sizeof their yard Sample text (Style: spoken/casual/A=female, B=mole) ‘A: Atorashii niwatsuki no uchi ni utsutta n desu te? 8: Iya ne, niwa to iery ka doo ka, honno neko no hitai no yoona uraniwa ga tsuileru teido na n da. HLUEOIORED. WR, ARB A SEA OWT BRIER A, Chot? DEA DROORUO EF e> ‘A: hear you moved into a single fomily home with a yord. B: Yech, but I'm not sure you can call it yord; i's an extremely small backyord aree. 2 Weko no Te mo | egini € ae | ‘willing to accept even Karitai : the helping hand of a HOF OEY Ev cat” (swamped, shorthanded, “up to one’s eyeballs” in work) This phrase indicates an intense degree of need. Cats are useless when it comes to assisting people. If one will go so fer as to accept even the help of a cat, one really is in desperate need. Somple text: (Style: spoken/casual/female) A: Ano, chotto gomennasai. Koko no jimusho, kyo, hikkoshi de, neko no te mo karitai yoonc isogoshisa ra no. Atode denwe suru wo. ALO, broke OwAt BOF SY Eur BT. FH, Fl SED, ECHR > Uh, sorry. You know at our office we're in the middle ‘of o move today and we're swamped. I'll call you later, Onaji Ana no I. tora thy (33S : ‘Mujina 1 cen ‘om the same FUROGUE oy a (co-conspirators, brothers in crime) Japanese fairy tales characterize badgers os sometimes Villainous and at other times comical cheaters who play tricks on people. This is based on the fact that badgers ‘and raccoons steal horvested produce from formers. The phrase suggests @ gang/group of bed guys os © Poe pekatvesalinae Sakai-san mo taihen rashii yo. B: Iya, Sokai-san mo enaji ana ne mujina janai ka. iS ‘Murata-san hitori de onna fusei go dekiru wake nai yo. wines I\\u ag “GD aut tldledl C. ICAO IES A ee L A: HWS AORTA SLADE iy ev, HEAD we ‘A: Murata’s illegal doings have been discovered and Sakai, who is in the same section, seems to be very concerned. Bs But isn't Sakai a co-conspirator? Murata couldn't have done oll that single-handedly, you know. “sparrow’s tears” (very small amount, @ tad) The implication of this expression is “not enough” —one wishes it were more. If sparrows could ery, their tears ae would be tiny. Sparrows are commonly found throughout Japan and often represent ordinary people in Japanese folktales. Somple text: (Style: spoken/casuol/male) : Kywuryoo agatia n do tte? ya, honno sukoshi Sonna koto nai darco. Agata koto wa agatta kedo so, honno suzume no namida de nee. ePeer IH Lato tA. We EADPL. tA a Me bAPohc ELMO UES, LADRORTAR rae PPe> + hear you got o pay raise. Is it truce Well. .just litle fou expect me to believe that? B: OK, | got a pay raise, but i's such @ small amount. - Nigosazu _ Oem Tatsu Tori A oo “Birds leave the water undisturbed.” (Leave on a good note; create a good impression when leaving for good.) This is what we should remind people who ore about fo go into a nature preserve. Used most frequently in reference 10 one's place of work. Just os birds leave the water undisturbed, we should leave our current place of work undisturbed; i.., in the best condition for one’s replacement. Sample text: (Giyle: spoken/casuaV/A=mole, B= female) ‘A: lyoiyo kaisha © yamete Nyuu Yooku ¢ iku n da tte ne. B: Ee. Sorede ima fottemo isogashii no yo. Iroiro seii shite ‘okanakereba naranai koto go fokusan atte. Soren “tatsu tori ato 0 nigosazu” da kara. AL WEWERHEM CHa 8-9 MIC ABO TR. B Ade ENTHEDTOLYOL, VAVASMLTE PRUE SRI ENE BABT. THE [TD REEMET] Edd, A: [hear you're quiting the company and going to New York soon. B: That's right. So I’m really busy now. There are so many things | need to organize ond put awoy. Besides, as the saying goes, “Birds leave the water undisturbed.” ‘35. “the cry of the crane” (voice of authority, unchallengeable order) According to Japanese folklore, years. It seems that old, whit nearly as long. As the respected authority, the “wise old bird” is able to mobilize the village. Thus, © powerful voice from the acknowledged leader (regardless of age) is tsuru ro hitokoe. Sample text: (Style: spoken/casual/male) A: Kyoo no kaigi wo zuibun shussekiritsu go ii nee. B: Sasaki-san shitferu daro? Konojo no tsuru no hitokoe de izogashi noni minna atsumatta n da yo. HOARSE 2 HARE Mo CBEA VE OBO-BTEL VOILA AME ohhh ke e> ‘A: Attendance at today’s meeting was terrific, wasn’t if B: You know Ms. Sasaki, don't you? I's her voice of authority that got everyone to attend. “the bones of a horse” (en unknown person with no references, a person of unknown background) Imagine the skeleton of o horse heif-buried in the sand. ‘Who knows who the horse was? What of the horse's master? Nobody knows. Thot’s the feeling behind the ‘expression when applied to a newcomer in the tight-knit Japanese society. Uma no hone carries a heavy negative connotation when referring to an outsider. Sample text: (Style: spokenfformalffemale) ‘A: Kekkon mae no musume go doko no uma no hene da ka wokoranai yoona ofoko to tsukiatte war ikemasen yo. A: HMO EC OROREDMI DS RV EI RES HoCRvi tA LS ‘A: Before marriage a gitl should not go out with a man of unknown background. Gomame no : Ga? Hagishiri TEOOMELY “little fish grinding their teeth” (of no consequence, powerless) IF sharks were to grind their teeth, it might be a big deo! Shock waves would radiate in all directions. But a bunch of little fish furiously grinding their teeth is of no consequence. Who would know? Who would care? ‘Sample text: (Style: spoken/cosual/male) ‘A: Konnendo no shinnyuy buin wa monku bakari itary re. B: Kini shinai, ki ni shinai. Doose gomame no hagishiti nna'n da kare, ima made doori ni yate ikebo i sa. A: FHLORABAURMED ) Fo TBs B MILAM, MILEM, LF LT EOE LWA Bb, FE CH) Po TUITE, ‘A: This year’s new club members do nothing but complain B: Don't worry, don't worry. What they say is of no consequence anyway. We'll ust carry on as we elwoys have. a ‘Hachi no Suo _ Tsutsuita Yoo — KOWeOOWRES “like poking a beehive” (bedlam, chaotic, frenzied) The impression is that of © swarm of noisy bees buzzing ‘round in a frenzy of confusion. Complete bedlom that ‘one is not happy about Somple text: (Style: writtenfinformal) NNigakki no hojime. Sensei go kuru mae, kodemo tachi wo natsuyasumi no hanashi ya shukudei ne koto nade, woiwal goyagaya. Marude hachi ne su 0 tsutsuita yoona sawagashisa do. KK i, FEE KAOM-OTEL ATAANAY, LB TRORED IVE E 2 Rita & The beginning of the second semester. Before the teacher shows up the children are chatting about their summer vacations and about their assignments. It’s chaotic, Hippari Dako op > tig spread-eagled octopus” Qoals uy Fa (Mr./Mrs./Ms. Popularity, a person in great demand, being pulled in all directions) This expression originates from the way an octopus is stretched out to dry. All eight legs are spread out ond stretched to their limits. Thus, when the pretty young starlet ‘the renowned architect is suddenly in great demand, the impression is like « hippari doko Sample text: (Style: A=informal/male, B=formel/male) ‘As Ano shinjin kashu, saikin zuibun ninki ga dete kita ne. B: Soo na n desu yo. Moo iroirona tokoro kara hippari dake de ne. Uchi no zasshi no intabyuu foru no mo faihenna kurai na n desu yo. BORE, MULT WRA Ma 1: FIEATH Le HIVAVALE Cae 5 HOMIE A 7 7 Bak MOF E ath. AbSVoIESI BDO RBI ( BVVEE ‘A: That new singer is really getting popular. B: She sure is! She's in great demand; acivolly it wos difficul booking her for our magazine interview. C2) “A frog in the well [doesn’t know the sea].” (a provincial, one who has never seen the world) Used to advocate greater travel beyond the Japanese islands, it captures the Japanese sense of awareness of being like a frog in a well. Comfortable os the well may be, itis but a small part of the whole world. Jopanese teachers often recite this proverb to encourage their students to progress beyond the circumstances into which they were born Sample text: (Giyle: writtenfinformal) Ningen wa dare demo onaii basho ni nagoku sumu fo, i ne naka ne kawazy ni narv. Dakara tokidoki jibun no sodatta kankyoo, bun no sumi nareta sekai to chigau soto no okina sekai ni mo, jibun jshin o vite miry koto ga taisetsu deary. NIQUES 4 EAB CHEGE, HORM S. 8 DOW A RO > AIM, POTEAU E BI OKI CWREL, APASEMY TASC EAU Be ‘When a person remains in the same location for many yyors, he or she becomes a frog in the well. So itis important sometimes to place ourselves in the wide world ‘outside of the environment where we grew up or the narrow world we have grown accustomed to. 7 Ka no Naku o Yoona Koe WO e< £9 er _ fl 2 41. “a voice like the cry of a mosquito” (a faint, almost inaudible voice) Like @ mosquito that buzzes in and out of your range, the person's voice is faint and hard to hear. Sample text: (Style: spoker/formal/female) A: Sonna ka ne naku yoona kee de wo minna ni kikoemasen yo. Motto ookina koe de moo ichido ite > : Nobody can hear your Faint voice. Try saying it again, only louder. ‘Manaita no <@ “Ue no Koi SEMOLOM “carp on the cutting board” (doomed, in the hands of God, at the merey of fate) This fotalisic expression is used when one feels helpless to contrel one's immediate destiny. The foreboding overtone comes from the knowledge of what inevitably befalls a fish laid out on o cutting board. Sample text: (Style: spoken/casual/A=female, 8= male) ‘A: Murato-son ne, shakkin ga kasonatte foosan sunzen na 1 do tte. Ato wa ginkoo no dekata shidai to yuu koto roshii wa. B: Soreja morukkiri manaita ne ue no koi janci ko. Shinseki ka shri no tsute de doonika maranoi no ka A: HINS Ada, fidebtin te o CHIE LAOH Ed CEB Lb, B ENUTES 28 ECMOLOBL SRV. BPH DAVNOTTED MEEBO, ‘A: [hear that Mr. Murata is in great debt and is on the verge of bankruptcy. It all seems to depend on the bank nove B: He's doomed then. Can't his relatives and friends do something bout it? “the breath of an insect” (near one’s death, almost dead) Since insects ore small, imagine how faint their breath must be. The chances of recovery are extremely slim for a man whose breath is os faint as that of an insect. ‘Sample text: (Style: spoker/formal/female) ‘A: Tonako-san no oniisan, mattaku kinodokuni nee. Kootsuu jiko de nakunatta n desu tte ne. Ee, soo na n desu tie. Ookina jiko de ne, tsuita tok wa moo mushi no iki datta rashiin desu yo. As HIPSAOBRSA, SC MOWIEA, SSM okhCtoTh. BAA, SPRATH OT. KECBHCTH, MICA WIALIMOBKORSLUATT LS ‘A: Tanaka's brother, what a tragedy! | hear he was killed in a traffic accident. B: Yes, that’s what I heard, too. It was a pretty serious accident. It seems he was almost dead by the time he crrived at the hospital azt “The bee [stings] when you’re already crying.” (When it rains, it pours; bad things come in threes.) When someone has been hit simultaneously with several bd breaks, it may be consoling to hear a friend say, “Nokitsura ni hack” The philosophical surety of the phrase reminds Japanese thet misfortune may indeed come in twos (or even threes). Sample text: (Style: spoken/casual/male) ‘A: Yukari wa kinoo sensei ni shikararete nakinagara kaette kuru ftochuu, Mosao-kun ni nagurareta rashii n do. ‘Mattoku nakitsura ni hachi fo wa kono koto da na. 1 PAY SED FEI LPG THE LMS HoT < BIB Wh IHC COREG LY AR, 6 ABIL core A: Yesterday, apparently, Yukari’s teacher scolded her, tand then as she was crying on her way home, Masoo beat her up. I's realy true: “When it rains, it pours.” a “to read the mackerel” (to manipulate the figures to one’s advantage, to offer false numbers intentionally, to inflate or deflate figures) ‘Among fish cought in nets, mackerel are so litle valued that Japanese fishermen may not bother to count them. Often the rough estimates of mackerel have been highly inflated, giving rise to the use of the phrase “reading the mackerel” to indicate the praciice of “guesstimating” in cone’s own favor. Sample text: (Style: spoker/cosval/A-=femele, B=mole) ‘A: Kono kaikei, 2uibun takai to omowanai® Nomimono ynjuvhachinin bun tte aru kedo. 8: Konori saba @ yonderu njanai ka. Kaisho barai do are wakaranai fo omotfeiu n daroo. COR, FURAMOEMDEW? HA BOM LAA PoTH Alte, B: AE) SILERATOAL oun, SAI be BRWEMs TBAB 'A: Don't you think ths bl is awfully high® They list 48 drinks! B: They must be inflating the figur figure nobody will catch it since for it. They probably 1e company’s poying Tade Kuu Mushi mo “@° Sukizuki 7 CH LU AIS “Some bugs prefer bitters.” (There is no accounting for tastes; some prefer nettles.) This Japanese proverb acknowledges the reality that people have different tostes. Also used to warn people not to judge others by one’s own taste. Tade is smartweed, a bitter tosting plant. Yet some insects prefer it. Somple text: (Style: spoken/casual/A=mole, B=femole) A: Aitsu naze anna ii okusan to wokarete, mata henna fonna to saikon shita n daroo. B: Dotie “tade kuu mushi mo sukizuki” te yuu deshoo. BATE EMT, ROK EFL DF . IntROREMEHE] oCRF ‘A: Why did he divorce such © good woman and remarry such a weirdo? B: Oh well, you know, there's no accounting for tastes. > Abata mo Ekubo Hl A CAE $ “Pockmarks are [seen as] dimples” (Love is blind.) Abata mo ekubo is another way of saying, “Beauty isin the eye of the beholder.” But in this Jopanese expression, the beholder is almost always a man who is beholding a woman, Her face may not have physical beauty, but her personality makes her attractive to him. Sample text: (Style: spoker/casualfemele) ‘Akio-kun ne, kon’yaku shite n do te Hee, doko no ojeosan to? Kireina hito? Kirei to yuu wake demo nai kedo, kawaii ko yo. Soreni sukini narebo abata mo ekube da kara ne. >er A: Bt, MUL ZA HE OBBEAL? SNUOEAT te, bow te. SHH RIEBIER GA CITED ta, ‘A; You know Akio—I hear he got engaged. B: Really? With whom Is she pretty? ‘A; | wouldn't call her pretty, but she's cute. Besides, you know love is blind. “to sit crosslegged” (to rest on one’s laurels, to coast, to be complacent) Sitting on the edge of one's chair with both feet firmly planted on the ground shows eagerness, enthusiasm, ond © spirit of trying hard to succeed. In contrast, 0 relaxed pose of sitting on a cushion with one's legs crossed means to coos, to rest on one’s laurels. ‘Sample text: (Giyle: spoken/casval/mele) ‘A: Doose moo fairitsu suru aite wa inai daroo to omotte, itsumade mo shachoo no za ni agura o kate irareru fo ‘omotiara oomachigai da. b Eb TANET BHFILOE ES 3 EBoTt, YO THROM CS EOUTHSNEE Wo Lb AMT We ‘A; You think you have no competitors; but i's « mistake to believe that you can sit forever in the company's president's position and rest on your laurels. 201 “to look at someone’s feet” (to exploit someone's weakness in negotiation, to charge what the traffic will bear) ee RERHS According to Japanese etymological sources, ashimoto © ‘iru comes from the Feudal Age when the palanguin corriers would examine the legs ond feet of prospective customers to judge their level of exhaustion, then roise the fare accordingly. ‘Sample text: (Style: spoken/casuol/male) ‘As Kinoo wa taihen datta yo. Nakogowa to ni made rronjatte 20. Kaeri no fakushii ne, ashimoto © Imirarechatte,tokushitdo, zuibun fororeta n da, MEME HAL OT Eo BEERSNSE GOT, F7Y- A: Last night was a disaster. | ended up drinking with Nakagawa until two in the morning. And of course, the taxi driver teok advantage of my condition and overcharged me like crazy. “to wash one’s feet” (to start over (after discarding a bad situation], to go straight) Merial, less prestigious jobs often require working outdoors and sometimes even working borefooted. So to wash one's feet figuratively means to give up a lowly job €or to rise up from a morally wrong way of life (crime). text: (Style: written/informal) Iehide furyoo nakama ni hoittara, nakanaka nuke dasenai ‘mono do. Yakuza no sekai to ongji de, aru shuudan ni rnokemain shite shimau fo ningen wa kantanni wa ashi o araenai mono dearu. BAAN CASES, SAPO EEM oO. 2 LRSM ERVE. ‘A: The people ot that party were mostly scholars ond intellectuals. A person like me, who doesn’t have an educational background, feels kind of inadequate. “low-waisted” (very polite, modest or humble) It's probably feir to say thet Jepanese are preoccupied with hierarchies. Status is indicated physically by one’s posture in relation to others. To bend a litle, to lower one's head, or to bow a deep bow isto position oneself vis-d-vis person of higher rank. Thus, koshi ga hikui is a compliment—especially to one who, by virtue of wealth or fame, hos attoined high status. ‘Sample toxt: (Style: spoken/casval/male) |A: Tonoke shachoo, deigaisha no shachoo da kedo chitomo ibary koto ge nai n do na. Keshi ga hikukute 0. Dokara minna ri sukareru n darco na. A: HPREE, ARMOR bok buITSC Lai Ate, HEBLEC TE, EP EAA TIANA A %. ‘A: President Tanaka. You know, even though he's the president of « big company, he never puts on oirs. He's always modest. That’s why he is liked by everyone. “My ears hurt. (an acknowledgment that someone's criticism of oneself is correct; an indication of a prick of conscience, as if saying “you found me out.”) ‘Some say that, despite Japan's economic might, its people ‘re pretty simple. To say “’my eors hurt” when words of criticism are hurled one’s way, is direct and disarming. It's ‘0 woy of saying “you got me:” Implicit in the phrase is the recognition of wrongdoing. Sample te (Style: spoken/cosual/mole) ‘As Isogoshii, isogashi tte iinagara, muda banashi bakari shiteiry karo shigoto ga zenzen susumanai n da yo. B: yao, sono foori. Mimi ga itai na. An tELUY Lio taba, bf Sfbpateps BATE Bh, SOI). ARV. LO LCSD ‘A: You say you're busy, but you waste your fime chit- hating, Thot’s why you can't get your work done. B: You're right. You got me! (se, Ryooyaku Kuchi- “Good medicine tastes ni Nigashi bitter in the mouth” FR CTe L aces (Good advice is often unpleasant and difficult to accept.) Teaches thot one cannot expect fo heor only good news in life. Sometimes, although painful, itis good medicine to taste the bitter truth Itis implicit in the statement that the speaker “cares enough’ to speak with unusual candor. ‘Sample text: (Style: spoken/easual/male) ‘A: lisumo kachoo kara komakaku chuui sarery no go tamoran yo, B: “Ryooyaky kuchi ni nigashi” ite yuu janci ko. Imo wa nigai fo omotiemo atode yokatta to kito mou ye. As WO GEM ED bila ¢ 2 B: IRBOEL) ocHIL THHETADOKER = ROM eth, Fitkave wo A: I can't stand being constantly corrected in detail by the manager. B: You know, they soy, “Good medicine tastes bitter in the mouth." You may think these detailed corrections ‘ore unpleasant now but later on you'll realize their benefit. “strong-hearted” (having nerve or gall, impervious to subtleties) Shinzoo ga tsuyoi describes o socially bold, cheeky person. Usuelly considered o negative trait, the phrase also may refer to having the courage (or gall) to behave against what is normally expected, ike an employee who {questions his boss, or a student who challenges the teacher. (Style: spoken/casual/A=female, B= mole) ‘A: Sachiko-san, doijoobu kashira. Minna © deihyoo shite fuheio i ni ita kedo. 8: Kanojo nara doijoobu so. Shinzeo ga tsuyei koro hakkiti monku ier daro. A: HERES A, DORE LO. AAR EL TATE Kffotite. BBE SAL S: DRMBL Bid 8 OHARA SLE 4. ‘A: I wonder if Sachiko is OK. She went to register @ complaint on behalf of the group. B: Shell be fine. She has a lot of nerve; she'll tell them ‘exactly what they did wrong. “to look at someone with white eyes” (to look coldly upon, to cast an ‘unwelcoming glance) This expression means to treat someone with disdain bordering on contempt. Ths is an especially appropriate phrase when the person is outside of one’s group. Why shiroi (white) eyes? One theory is that eyes without pupils would have @ cold, ghostly look analogous to « scornful rebuke. ‘Sample text: (Style: spoken/casual/female) ‘A: Kondo hikkoshite kita Inove-san ne, Ano hito wa honto no okusan janakute, aijin no n datte. Sore ga shirele ara mawari no shufu wa mina shiroi me de rmihajimeta yoo yo. A: TI OML TS TIRES AD. HOARUAL ORE ALGECT, BALA OT. ERMKINTHD ED DORMEAA SAVE CHI CE LS bo ‘A: You know the Inoves who just moved int | hear Mrs. Inove is not the wife, but @ mistress. Once the news spread, housewives in the neighborhood began to look at her coldly. ce Tsura no Kawa ga Atsui WHOA “The skin on one’s face is thick” (uncommonly rude, having too much nerve, inconsiderate by nature) The ideo! face in Japan figuratively has a thin layer of skin s0 08 to respond with sensitivity to others. In contrast, thickskinned, un-Joponese face reflects an inability to blush (to show shame), to reveal vulnerability, or to show empathy. Sample text: (Style: spoken/casuel/female) ‘A: Murai-san ne, jibun ga wasureta noni, zenzen hansei shinai no yo, Sono kuse hoka no wasureta hito ni monky itteru no. B: Sooyuu no wa tsura ne kawa ga atsui tle yuu no yo. Futswu no hito nara sonna kato zettai dekinai to omou KOI, BALKKELEVO be EOC EMOEI MELA 2 TBO. ) ORORIRU 9 THIOL. WEDS EME TEEVEMS by ‘A: You know Ms. Murai, she herself forgot, but she ‘wouldn't think of apologizing! Instecd, she criticizes everybody else who forgot. 8: That's what I call being uncommonly rude. A normal person could never do such a thing! “to polish one’s arms” (to work at mastering one's craft, to improve and cultivate one’s skill) Ude © migaku is most often used in odvice to the young, ‘warning them constantly to improve their skills. In Japan discipline ond training ore considered essential to success in ony field. Sample text: (Style: spoken/formal/male) ‘A: Wokai uchi ni isshookenmei ude © migaite okanoi to shoorai komarimasu yo. 8: Isshookenmei yatteru n desu kedo, nokonaka omou yooni dekinakute. As HO} GHEE UT BAG EPR YE Fe B: Aro CBACHIE, tedptednl3 & RT a A: You'll be in trouble later on if you don't work at mastering your craft while you are young. B: I'm doing my best, but | dor't seem to be able to eve what | want. Ushirogami o “@° Hikareru Omoi “a feeling as if one’s hair is being pulled back” (a feeling of much reluctance, a feeling of leaving one’s heart behind) A deep feeling of guilt for discarding one option in lite in favor of another. Japanese feel « lingering tug of loyolty toward the discorded option. The tug, however, is not ot the heartstrings but ot the hoirs at the back of the head. Semple (Style: written/informel) Ima kara sannen mae, toshioita fubo o nokoshite Tookyoo 1 dete kita. Sono toki no ushirogami o hikareru omei wo Aird, FBV ALAR L THORN TA Re & OMOEA ET PNSBVILGEERONEW. Three years ago, | left my aged perents ond moved to Tokyo. | sill can’t forget that strong feeling of reluctance | felt then, Ushiroyubio “like having a finger oo Sasareru Yoo S pointed at one’s back” A Aik eS S HLA + 4 ‘ (being the object of social contempt, scorn, and criticism) Social control through shame is highly developed in Japan. Jopanese are keenly sensitive to being the object of scom fr ostracism. This expression conveys the feeling that ‘everyone is pointing an occusatory finger at one’s back for one’s shameful conduct. Sample text: (Style: spoken/casual/A=femcle, B= male) A: Hamade-san ne, kaisha ni uso itfe katteni ryokoo shita 11 da tte. Watashi mo yatte miyoo ka na. B: Ivo, hilo ni ushiroyubi o sasareru yoona kofo wo shinai hoo ga iyo. Kitto ato de kookai suru kara. HWS Ada, LPOTALD Oe Be, ASHES SNSLILCLILL Wd, SOEBE CHD BD, THEW LARS waite ‘A: You know Ms. Hamada. She lied to the company and went off on a vacation. I’m thinking ebout doing something like that myself B: You really shouldn't do something you'll be socially criticized for. You'll regret it loter, I'm sure. From One to Ten and More Chirimo . Tsumoreba — C68 “piled-up specks of dust <“S vama to Naru become a mountain” BY OMONIZUILES cian nas 9 oo ne when accumulated, bring great success.) This expression teaches the moral thot, litle by litle and bit by bit, one’s persistent efforts wil lead to achievement. Even the smallest of efforts, however trivial they may seem ‘ot the time, will contribute toward one's ultimate success. ‘Sample text: (Style: spoken/casual/A=mole, B=female) ‘A; Okone sonna sukoshi zuisu no chokin ja, nakanaka fomaronai ne B: Demo "chit! mo tsumoreba yama fo naru” fie yuu dosha. A: BREALD LF IONG . bib bitte B Ch, [SUSMSNTMETS! oCHI CLE. ‘As What good is it going to do me to put aside so litle sovings each time? B: But remember the soying, “Mountains are made from grains of sand. Happoo Bijin __er>, “a beauty in eight KABK directions” (one who tries to please everyone, one who seeks popularity at the expense of integrity) Hoppo means eight directions. Bin literally means @ beautiful woman. A person who wants to look attractive in eight diferent directions is« person trying too hard to please everyone, thus revealing a lack of integrity ‘Sample text: (Style: spokervcasuel (blunt)/ale) ‘A: Akio no yatsu, kyooryoku shite kureru tte. Saisho wa iya do te ita n da kedo sa. B: yo, aitsu wa happee bifin da kara, ate ni noranai yo. A: BORD, BILTCNSOT DVOENBBAEDD, ‘A: Akio says he'll help us. He said he didn’t want to ot first, though. B: Well, he’s the type who tries fo please everyone, so you really can’t count on him a0 aa “to hoist one’s own flag” (to succeed in business, particularly one's own enterprise) In feudal times, conquering warriors would raise the flag of their lord on the battle site. Reising the flag in Jopan today sill symbolizes victory, particularly in reference to independent entrepreneurs who succeed in business after starting from scratch. female, 8=mole) ‘As Kowakomi-san no musukosan, konde jigyoo © hajimery nn desu te : Hoo, sorya taihen doroo na. Kono keiki ja, hitohato fegery no mo muzukoshiku naru jppo daroe kara nao. A: JILEEAORT EA, SEPREECD BATT oT, B19, ZDeKRLDI tH. CORALS. DEM BORET PLA BAHAI PHBH. ‘A: Did you know that Mr. Kawakami's son is launching a new business? B: Is that right? I's going to be an uphill climb. To succeed in your own enterprise in today’s business late is getting harder and harder. A 100 o Toru OE DATES ILS “to wrestle a one-man sumo” (to try hard at something without the support of others) Obviously it tokes two wrestlers to participate in © sumo match. However enthusiastically one may wrestle with oneself, the action itself willbe incomplete. Therein lies the coff-on-one's-own (on a tangent) meaning of hitori zumoo. text: (Style: spoken/casvalfmale) ‘A: Rei no an, iinkai de teian shita n daroo? B: Iya, sore go ne, teian shita koto wa shita kedo hitori zumoo @ totta kanji de dare mo shij shite kurenakotta nda. A: HOR, EARCRELEAKA I? Be OR, Sti, ALICE LALO E WARE MokRUTHREHLT (nebokAte ‘A: You proposed that plan ot the committee meeting, didn't you? 8: Yeoh, | did. | proposed it, but it wos like wrestling @ ‘one-man sumo. No one supported it. “sitting on a stone for three years” (perseverence wins in the end; endurance is a virtue.) Japenese consider it @ virlve to out.sit the competition. The common practice of making on investment, even at o loss, with the belief that a return will come in the long run comes from this simple, down-to-earth philosophy. Sting ‘on a rock for three years requires outrageous tenacity, but the longer you sit, the more secure you are in your position. And more to the point, you become the master of the sitvation because you have stuck with it. In fac, the cold “stone” may even seem warm ond comfortable after three long years. Sample text: (Style: spoken/casual/A=female, B=mole) ‘A: Konno chiisana mise ja nakanaka okyakusan kisooni naishi, yopperi dome kashira B: Sonno koto nai yo. Moo chott jikan ga hitsuyoona n da 6. "Ishi no ve ni mo sannen’” tte yuu daroo. A: CARR DL eR RoE) EOPLO B ZASCESVE, OSL LMMADBLAEL. FEDER GEE] oTHIAI. BEBAREIBUL, ‘As Customers just aren't coming to this small « shop. It may not work after all B: Nonsense. Give it ime. You know what they say: “Perseverence wins in the end.” “ten people, ten colors” (different strokes for different folks; everyone has his or her own taste; “to each his own”) Even though there is @ large measure of truth fo the: widespread belief that Japanese conform to the group, this often-heard phrase attests fo their awareness of the differences in individual tastes. Sample text: (Style: spoken/cosual/A female, B= male) ‘A: Kondo no paoti no ryeori wa nani o tononda no? B: Nanika if mono to itte mo juunin tire dakara, nnakanaka kimaranakute ne. De, kekkyoku iroiro torimazete tanomu koto ni shita'n da yo. A: FONG 4 OnMIIME ROAR? BMW ROLE oC OT AHIENS , tine bike BRK The T, MHVSVAENEPTROLE LAKE ‘Az What kind of food did you order for the party? 8: Since everybody has his or her own taste, we had a hard time deciding, but we finally came up with a menu that offers « lot of variety. us a. Nimaijita o Tsukau Ce ute use two tongues” IG & Ai a (to speak from both sides of the mouth, to speak with a forked tongue) This expression refers fo the practice of ’speaking out of both sides of the mouth’”—shading the meaning of one's words to appeal fo a particular person or group, while purposely giving @ different impression to others. In Japan, «5 elsewhere, this practice (though common) is considered duplicitous and hypocritical Somple text: (Style: spoker/casual/A=mole, B=female) A; lyaa, chigay nea. Kono aida no koigi de wo sonna koto wa ittenakatta naa. B: Soo kashira. Kyco no ohanashi o sono mama tsutaeta dake da kedo, A: Saikin, Mori-san nimaijita © tsukau yooni notte kita ne, Hanashi ga dondon kawaru n da kera tamannai yo. A VPd, SH} tH, COMORMTHEALS ik Chie tte, FAOBECTOS HAA LKVENE. BEM Lj oTR ta, BME poREARULS A Mil, REA KEMRDE AT ‘A: No, tht’s not it. He didn’t say thet in the meeting the other day. 8: Really? I’m just reporting to you what he said to me today. ‘A: Mori has recently gotten into this habit of speaking from both sides of the mouth. His story changes from minute to minute; | can't stand it - Ni no Ashi o Fumu (iz “to step twice in the =OREM same spot” (to hesitate, to have second thoughts before taking an action) To step twice in the some place is not to advance forward, Thus the meoning of hesitation before continuing on a presumed or planned course of action. ‘Sample text: (Style: writtenfinformal) Sasuga puro sukiiyaa no Hayashi-shi mo, sono yama no rminami shamen © mite ni ne ashi o funda. Totemo nami no sukiyaa de wa suberesoomo nai kyyukooka ga, haruka kanata no tani made tsvzuiteiru no deary, AY —OWKE, TOMOWSE LT fo ETOUDRH—H= TF RNSI YE UOMET IS, RZ De LORE TRUTHS OTH % Even Hayashi, a professional skier, hesitated when he faced the southern slope of the mountain. The nose-diving slope continued all the way down into the velley. The ‘overage skier wouldn't even think obout trying it Onna Sannin Yoreba Kashimashii K-NANTELY “Where three women gather, there is a noisy clamor,” (Women tend to talk a lot.) The Chinese character for kashimashi’ (“clamorous") is made up of three small choracters for “woman.” In Japan itis understood that when two women get together, they tend to talk a lot. When three get together, it becomes really noisy. text: (Style: spoken/ecasual/male) ee Tonari no heya, taihenna sawagashisa do. Soryo soo daroo. “Onna sannin yoreba kashimoshil" tie yuu noni, gonin otsumotte shabettery 17d kara ne. Tk#EABNEBLYI 2 BARI La. ‘A: Such a racket they're moking next door! B: What do you expect? IFt’s rue that when three women gather there is a noisy clamor, now you know what it sounds like when five of them get together. A sannin Yoreba 7 i i ‘Three people together Monju no Chie have the wisdom of a SAID SIRO AS Buddha” (two heads are better than one) ‘Monju isthe Saint of Wisdom in the Buddhist faith. Similar to “two heads are better than one,” the Japanese proverb suggests that even average people, when working in a group, can come up with a great ideo. Sample text: (Giyle: spoken/casual/A=female, B= mole) ‘A: Kaigishtsu de nonika hisohiso honashitery kedo, nani shiteru no? Kondo ne purojekuto no gen‘an 0 netteru rashii yo. + Daijoobu kashiro. Demo, maa “sannin yoreba Monju no chie" te yuu kara. eo LTB? DIYs OK BOLLS Th, fh [SAPAELROME) 0 A They're whispering among themselves in the meeting room; what are they up to? They seem fo be brainstorming on a new project. Do you really think they can do if? Oh well, they soy, “"Two heads are better than one.” >e = Sushizume : > “packed like sushi” (very crowded, jam-packed) This expression is similar in mecning to “packed like sordines.” Sushi, the combination of raw fish with vinegared rice, is popular in Japan and inereasingly so in the United States and Europe. Take-out sushi is offen bought in litle boxes called sushi-or, in which the sushi pieces ore packed tightly. Sample text: (Style: spokenfcasval/male) A: Atarashii shigoto, tanoshii kedo, fsuukin go taihen de ne, Mciasa sushizume no densha de ichiikan na n do yo. Br Taihen da ne, A 2, BMAEKREC HI, HT LE B: ‘As My neve job is 0 lot of fun, but commuting is teribl. Every morning I spend an hour in a jam-packed train! B: That's awfull Section Five From Place to Place Ana ga Attara Hairitai RDB ORDA TV “If there were a hole, I’d want to crawl into it” (“I’m so ashamed”; “I could’ve died of embarrassment.”) Sometimes your emborrassment is so acute you want to disappear completely from the scene. Unfortunately, in most cases you're stuck with braving it out. Yet were there hole, you'd craw! into it Sample te: (Style: written/informal) Poot no sekijoo de kyuuni aisatsu © tanomare, teihen omatta koto ga ov. Ki ga dooten shite tame ko, jooshi no namae o machigoele iteshimoi, hontooni ana ga ettara hairita kimochi dota. Yehori aisatsu 0 tanomu ‘nara maemotte onegai shite moraereba arigatoi mono da 4 Olt: DEROEK, KBHoK HS. AGbMEL TY oD LMOKME ES HRTRSTLEO. AUKAMS ORGAN LURES fhe PIED. HVAEELOLAR SWS oTBEVL TO ANTH DALE OE | wos once in big trouble when asked without warning to give speech at o party. | must have been upset; | used the wrong name in reference to my boss. I wanted to crowl into @ hole! Its preferable to ask beforehand if You want someone to give a speech Ishibashi o a Tataite Wataru ANGE TETEVS CHED “to tap a stone bridge before crossing it” (to proceed with caution, to test the waters before jumping in) Even a bridge made of stone (which on the face ofits sturdier than a wooden bridge) needs to be tested before crossing. The English near-equivalent is “look before you leap.’ Sample text: (Style: spoken/cosual/A=female, B=mole) ‘A: Watashi, doo shite mo kabuken fe kau ki ni naranai no. B: Sore mo ii daroo. “Ishibashi 0 tataite watoru" tte yuu koloba mo aru n dashi. Chokin jo amari fuenai edo, yoojin shia hoo ga anzen daroo no. FULTS RRTHI MEE EEO, WS), [BREATHS] oTH5 Le RE 2 Ae DMA eye IHL ‘A: | simply don’t feel like buying stocks. B: That's OK. They say, “Tap a stone bridge before «crossing it.” Keeping your money in savings accounts ‘won't accumulate much, but it’s alwys safe to be cautious. oS “parting the grass” (pioneering, innovation, original thinking) The phrase conjures up man parting the tall grass with his hands. Metaphorically it means leading the way, going where no one hes gone before, pioneering, Somple text: (Style: wrtten/informal) Kore no onshi wa nihon ni okeru denshi koogaku no kusawake teki sonzai de, genzai katsuyokuchuu no ijutsusho © nannin mo sodoteteir. POMMLDACSITARETEOBRUMTET, DHE ERPOLMALMALH TOS, His teacher has led o pioneering life in the field of Japanese electronics and has educated many prominent engineers who are currently quite productive. 167 @° onobori-san_ : (£0. “One who journeys to the BOE) SA capital” : (country bumpkin, hick, hayseed, someone from the sticks) San in this bligatory honorific thet translates simply as “’Mr." or “Ms.” Nobori refers to heading toward the capital of Japan. With the addition of the honorific prefix o-, the phrose becomes a satirical reference to the stereotypical lack of sophistication of someone who has come from the sticks.” Sample text: (Style: spoken/casval/female) ‘A: Kondo nywusha shite kita Hara-san ne, chihoo no sanson kara jookyoo shite kita n da tte. B: Aa, sore de na no ne. Ikanimo enoberi-san ite kakkoo shiteru no we. PMS Ala, HAO AG LHL THR LOK, WHI LBOENSADTPOS BOIte ‘A: You know the new employee, Ms. Hara® | heor she came to Tokyo from a small mountain village in the country. 8: Oh, that exploins it. She certainly dresses like © country bumpkin. “Where one lives is the capital city” (Wherever one lives, one comes to love it.) ‘Miyako means “the capital;” but carries the connotation of the best place, the center of everything, the place to be. This short expression is similar in sentiment to “there's no place like home.” Sample text: (Style: written/formal) Wattoshi wa saisho, Kyuushuy wa omar suki dewo arimasen deshito. Shikoshi sumeba miyako to iwareru yooni, ima wa koko Kurume go watashi no daini no furusato no yoona ki ga shiteimosu. Wid, AUMidd # OME THEY LEAT LES Ld Ly PORE ANS IF, HRC CAM AIOM DbSEOEILROLTETS ‘At first | didn't like Kyushu. But as the saying goes, “Wherever one lives, one comes to love i." Nowadays | eel os if Kurume is my second hometown. an “a boat to cross on” (timely assistance, something that saves the day) Poetically, “when you need to cross the river, lu find a boat to toke you:” The phrase means to “luck out.” Used when something fortunate occurs when you need it most. A timely stroke of luck. (Style: spoken/casual/emale) ‘A: Kodomo no mendoo © mite kureru hito 0 sagashiteto n dda kedo, nokanaka i ito ga inokute ne. Soshitora kyuuni tonari ni choodo i hito ge utsutte kita no yo. Dooshiyoo ka fo komatelta n do kedo, watari ni fune fo wo kono koto ne. As FROWAED CHT NAAE SOL TRAE EY EPEPVUAMV The TLESMIRES 29 EVUAMB 2 TREO ES KF LE DDE OTOL APE, BMIEMERT OT Eta, |A: | was searching everywhere for someone who could look after my child, but I couldn’t find anyone. Then all ‘of « sudden the perfect person moved in next door! | ‘wos getting desperate, but she saved the day! as Section Six More Cultural Keys * “before the morning meal” (a piece of cake, an easy task) ‘Mesh literally means cooked rice. The morning’s cooked ice (breakfos! i the first source of energy for the day. A tosk that con be completed even before one's frst meal i something requiring almost no effort (Style: spoken/casuolfemale) ‘A: Kondo no koorasu no renshuu ne, yooji de derarenoky natta no. Kiyohara-san piano no bansoo hikivkete kureru kashiro B: Daijoobu desho. Kilto hikiukete kureru n jonai? Koorasu no bansoo nanle kanojo ni tote wa, honno asa ‘mae dashi ne. A: FROI—7 ADAM A, MHC Ce WREALT / OF RBTTCNSRL BS B AKKTLI, SLISEVTCMSAL SEY IF ROBE A THEI E 2 TI, AO RBEATTE La. ‘A: Something's come up, ond I can’t moke the next chorus practice. | was wondering if Ms. Kiyohara would be willing fo toke over the piano accompaniment. B: I'm sure she'll substitute for you, allright. For her, playing the accompaniment for the chorus is @ piece of cake. “0; death can cure a a toot? (Once a fool, always a fool.) ‘A derogatory term used in reference fo someone who consistently demonstrates incompetence or poor judgment. Said in moments of exasperation, the phrase suggests on attitude of “I give up; there's no hope for you.” ‘Sample text: (Style: spoken/casval/male) ‘A: Aisu, hontooni zetsubooteki da ne. Nani yatte mo dome na n do. 8: “Baka wa shinanakya naoranoi” ite ne. Imo sora kaeyoo to shite mo muri daroo. > UD, AMBRE, HP TETRA, Ne reEe ee res EO) oC. FEHRALI ELT OMOEES 3. He's hopeless. That idiot can’t do anything right. Well, they soy, “Only death can cure a fool.” I's probably impossible to change him now. Pr “ching-boom” (a combination of ingredients (often that don’t mix well], a medley of elements) ‘Chan is the sound of a chime, pon, the sound of a hond drum. When played simultaneously the result is @ dissonont, jarring sound. Chan-pon is used to mean the result of mixing things together that should net be mixed, often with unfortunate consequences—whiskey and beer, spaghetti ond Japanese miso soup. Sample text: (Style: spokenieasval/male) ‘A: Kinoo wa doo shita no? B: Sake to biry o chan-pon ni nonda n de, hidoi fulsuko yoi de s0. Totemo asa jogingu ni iku yoona jootai janakatia n da, A: BOFIELS LEO? Br INE EVES OAIFAIRAKAC, DEW ABN Ch ECMMIS HY FITC LF ERB ete RAE ‘A: What happened yesterday? B: | mixed drinking soke ond beer, and | got this terrible hangover. I was in no condition to go jogging in the morning. Deru Kui wa “The stake that sticks w a8. : Be ip Utareru will be pounded down.” iA AL Bs Fy FERS 2 (Excellence is shot down by mediocrity; doing better than others evokes jealousy; difference is forced into conformity.) Commentary offered in explanation for why a gifted individual who may be head and shoulders above the ‘norm is brought down to size by the members of his or her group. Quite literally, the stake that sticks out above the cher stokes in a row is brought into line by being pounded down ‘Sample text: (Style: spoken/casuol/male) ‘A: Takahashi wa atorashii koisha ni utsutta kedo umoku ikanai roshii na. B: Aitsu, atama ga yosugiru n da. “Deru kui wa utareru" tte yuu doro, Sore ga tamaranain janai ka, aitsu no koto do kara, A: SMG LUREHO ATES E Come B bY, TERPS, APRSAT, [MSMRUITENS] oT ENBRESRVAL RUD, BVO ‘A: You know Tokahashi, he moved to a new company, but he isn’t getting along too well, | hear. Br He's too brillant. “Excellence is shot down by mediverity,” you know. He probably can't stand it, knowing him. “a girl that’s kept in a box” (an innocent girl of @ good family, an over- protected daughter) A pre-war parlor game featured litle wooden figures that were moved around (os in @ board game). The figures represented members of a typical family and were kept stored in a box. The idealized musume (daughter) came to symbolize the shy, sheltered character of a git! who has never left home (the box). Hakoiri musume refers fo on Lunworldly daughter from a good family Sample text: (Style: spokenfformal/femele) ‘A: Kyooko-son, Amerika oi ryuugaku suru n desu te. B: Ara, sore, ofoosan mo okaasan mo OK shita no® Anno hakoiri musume o Amerika ni dasu nante sozokoshi shinpai deshoo nee. As HESA, TAU AMET SATT oT, B DD, Eh, BLSALBHSALOKLKO? HAL MAURET AY AIHA PLARTL £5 pe ‘A: hear Kyoko is going to the States to study. B: Oh? Did her parents approve? They must be very concemed about sending such an over-protected daughter off all the woy to the Stotes 188 Juubako no Sumi o [Yooji de] Tsutsuku EROMe (LIC) 0O¢ > “to pick at the corners of a food-serving box [with a toothpick)” (to be obsessively oriented toward inconsequential details, to dwell on minutiae, to split hairs) Juuboke is a box-shaped container for serving food. After the meal, one or two small pieces of food may remain stuck in the corners. Only an obsessive person would try to remove the left-over particles with a toothpick. Somple text: (Style: spoken/formal) ‘A: Tashiro-san fo no hanashi wa zenzen susumanai n desu yo ne. Juubake no sumi o tsuisuku yoona doo demo fi yoona hanashi bakari de, juudaina kolo wa minna ‘atomawashi. Kore ja itsu ni natfara saishuu kettei made ‘motte ikeru mono yora B: Soo na n desu ka. Sore wa taihen desu ne, FkR, BD EC. OK oh bik As WMCE AE Ol MEDIC E5EERT BAAGHEROL > TWIT 40. ‘A: Talking with Mr. Toshiro never goos anywhere. He only dwells on minutiae, ond important issues are lft behind. | have no idea when the final decision will be made. B: Is that so8 Too bod, ED “to shoulder one’s end of the pole” (to take part in, to hold up one’s end of the operation, to have a hand in) In feudal times, polanquin and coffin carriers worked in pairs. The responsibilty fr lifting and transporting was equally divided. To shoulder one’s end of the pole means to hold up one’s end of the operation, taking full responsibilty for being an equal poriner. {Sym mpokewA~cowa mle 8=frmal ma — 3 Style: spoken/A =casval male, B= formal male) Meshi o Kutta >a [a] ce EO fk te acy > qe (having shared a common experience, having been through a lot together) Eoting rice from the same pot is the Joponese equivalent of “breaking bread together.” Communal eating establishes «@ sense of friendship and loyalty among those who literally eat out of the same pot. Most often used in reaffirming special relationship developed through shared experiences Sample text: (Style: spoken/casual/male) ‘Az Doonike tanomu yo. Onaji kama no meshi o kutta ‘naka doroo, Soo tsumetai koto © yuu na yo. a AUROMERS LIA. 25 BEVEERHI EE ‘A: Won't you do this for me® Haven't we been through a Jot together? Don't disoppoint me, huh = SajioNageru “40 throw away the spoon” PVERITS oe Rtas (to give up in despair, to throw in the towel) gine In ancient times the Japanese doctor or pharmacist was ‘expected fo concoct « special formula that would cure the polient, The pressure to find the correct mixture of ingredients was so great that many a doctor would hurl the measuring spoon into the air in despair, Metaphorically, saji o nageru means to give up out of frustration. Often the phrose is used as an admonishment rot fo give up. ‘Sample text (Style: writenvinformal) Kyooikusha nary mono wo, donna gakuse ni taishite mo saji 0 nagete wa naranci. Ningen wa dare de mo nenika no kakusareta sainoo go aru mono da kara dearu BEB LOI, VA te Pte HHA. AMMLET 8 HO! DOCH, HLTAYTERUTIS SALADS LOE Educators must no! give up on any student, for every human being has some ability yet to be tapped. “garnish for raw fish” (insignificant participant, uninfluential presence) However tractive, the garish that accompanies @ serving of sashimi is oF no significance. Some people may not even notice its presence. Such is the degree of dismissol sashimi no fsuma carries when used in discounting the importance of a person's attendance ot a meeting oF gethering Sample text: (Style: spoken/cosual/female} ‘A: Yuri-san to yuushoku ni iku yote’ janakatia not B: Doose watashi ga shussek’ shite mo sas do kara dotchi; demo ii ne yo. A DU RAESRIA PEL eth oho? AI COMBO VED S Kobe L DE ‘A: Weren't you supposed to go to a dinner party with Yorit 8: Wall, even if ttend, my presence there doesn't really matter, 20 it's nat important if | go or not. 98. “under one’s sleeve” (under the table, off the books, bribery) ‘The large sleeve of the Japanese kimono makes for an ideal place to hide or to hand-off money. Today kimonos are seldom worn by Jopanese men (and almost never when transacting business), but the phrase sode no shito is, sill very much in use. It has come to mean primorily some form of bribe, Sample text: (Style: spoken/cosval/male) ‘A: Naze anna an go tootian darco. B: inchoo ga sede no shite demo morattery n daroo. Soo demo nakya toory hazu nai yo. EL HAREILD HATA ENLAMOF CHE HoTALESI, Z3 TH SeMSAT EOE e> | wonder why that proposal passed. Maybe the committee chairman was given some sort of bribe. Otherwise, it should never have passed. 2> L o Kamu Yoo a > «aie chewing sand” We pts £ 3: Po eae (dull, unhappy, and wearisome [life}) bee Most offen used to describe @ dul, uninteresting life. It's hard to imagine o more tosteless experience than having to eat (or chew) sand day in and day out. The phrose connotes « dull, bad-tosting, and unhappy life. Sample text: (Style: written/informal) Hannin wa tsuma 0 koroshite kara gonenkan, tokoi no kalasumi de tooboo seikatsu 0 okutta. Jikyoo ni yoruto, seishinteki ni mo busshitsuteki ni mo kurushiku, shakai kara koritsu shiteita tame, mainichi ga oiike naku, masoni suna ‘0 kamu yoona seikatsu datta to yuu. RALEERL TMS EEM, BRONTA CHEE Bots (MLSE, HAIG WHMIS HL C,H PEL TOREO, HATA 6, FEB ED CLIBLU OLAS. ‘The murderer, afer killing his wife, spent five years os fugitive. According to his confession, he suffered both mentally and materially and, living isolated from society, he led a dull, unhappy, and wearisome life. (4190, “to stamp a drum-size seal” (to vouch enthusiastically for a person, to recommend highly, virtually to guarantee a 2 person’s success) On official documents in Japon, @ name-stomp is ured rather than a signature. Seals vary in size ond shape, but generally the bigger the secl, the greater the status. The seal for university, for exemple, will be larger and more impressive-ooking thon the seal for on individual Metophorially, « “drum-size seal” an enthusiostc endorsement, often used as a strong recommendation, UY sonple st: (Style: spoken/formal/mele) ‘A: Aa, Kowokami ga ofoku no kaisha ni nyuusha shito desu ka. Kare wa yuushuu deshite ne. Hitogara wo watashi go taikoban 0 oshimasu yo. S , “to decorate the ending with beauty” (to achieve something great just before the end [of one’s career], to end with a flourish, to go out with a bang) Equivalent to the positive tone of “ending on a high note,” this expression refers to getting a well-deserved bump of recognition immediately before ending one's career. Sample text: (Style: spoken/formal) Kowomura sensei wa sanjuugonenkan ni wateri, kyooiky hitosuji ni doryoku shite korore mashito ga, kendo zonnenni ‘mo taishoku nasoru koto ni narimashita. Sakunendo wa hhonkoo go ongaku konkuury de ken daiichi ni norimashito 199, kore wa hitoeni Kawamura sensei no go-shidoo ni yoru ‘mono deshita. Masoni yuushuu no bi o kazatte kudosatia woke de arimasu. IVE AE (ALTE BH ELAM, © ASRS ERD ELE, Wes AR RACR a v 2 — CH ene Le CMO E AINE OMB LEGOTLE ECHRORE MoT HS otDETH ET. ‘Mr, Kawamura has for 35 years dedicated himself to ‘education, and now we are all sorry to learn that he is retiring. Last year our school ranked firs in the prefectural music contest; this was all possible only because of his leadership. He certainly hos ended his career with @ flourish. as. Index of Idioms by Key Images (vumbers correspond to idiom numbers.) eb 0 Deughter Fee nome 87 Dust Cs amr Yo tooo for “ir op oi 56 t Teer go Nowa 94 joni Bo toa "Bi me de Min Face “Abo mo Elbe 17 Fish ‘Gonos no Hoga 37 Soko 9 Yomi 45 Te Naka no Kew Make 0 “Sirozu) #0 Tihs Demin 54 Shinsce go ew 60 le ‘Atego Atoro Heine) 77 Gnome Magna 32 Horse Une no Hore 3 Insect ith noi 43 Tee Rye Mesh mo Slice 46 Insect, boo ki no Su o Tutus eo 28 Nektar n Hah 44 Insect, mesquite ‘ano Note Yoons Koo Japanese dish pa Siahinone 76 Leaf ‘Ne mo Ho mo Nal 9 roo Kola 18 ‘not havo Te go Tous 25 ‘ahr o Mi 3 reson} ino Ao Fm 73 Letter Tate ne Fo 18 Mis Kn Ngo 59 Rorogoy hin Kale Micaze & Mountain ‘hin me Tesoro Yom oti po Sv 0 Tutuso Yo. 38 {re Sanen Yow Kaxhimoes 74 Ore be Hota Agen, 68 itor Zonas 9 Tra 69 Ter ao Poke 35, ‘Hepa Ooko 39 Palanquin “shor 0 Mic 49 fetaboo Konuas@? "Eiaoo wo Kohuby de mo {ea} Kors T Pole Tetaboc © Kahuge 9 “ “Ke os Fur oY go Free "oe ‘an Fite JiXotomary V7 Root Memewoshh 8 Seying on! go Hono Seal Tototon 0 Ow 100 Comgeai 1 vider seecpere ns feta 3 Siting place Rose 1 ‘Se no Shite 98 Small Tse Mano nino Fut 0 Surv 92 ne SO on fuente igo Fe Bere Koi wo Uorony 86 hn ma Sm 70 hin Kole Masaru 6 Stone bid "onan Arathi 2 Seme "hao Zoe 0 Tru 69 Ten Ue mo Sonean 70 Ges Soma "hosts 74 Soni orto Manis mo Che 75 Faw Yo Gaoshi 90 Tengue Nimoite 0 Tekou 72 Tree Ne mo Ho me Noi 9 Terabe Fare age 15 Tree, root of Neimowen 8 Fuots14 Nott 9 Testow 72 Ninoaho Fume 73 Wei oak go Hib 57 Woter Mize Nogony, 20 av oUt Yoo. 22 Izu Shoabar 23 vem eu 24 Wind Honan oa 2 ore mo foyer 18 Madogino Zoku 93 Wing oe Wom oveao Bin 67 Gres Sonn Yrabo "shims 78 Nobow 26 Index of Idioms Listed Alphabetically (Numbers correspond to idiom numbers.) e (Sic i ae tw ‘shimote 9 Mira A ‘wore Kae Go Not 52 poses seal lero, BE ante tna Deru Kui wo Utrery 86 Gonosui 1 Gomeme no Hogisii 37 Hoch no Su o Tunuita Yoo. 38 Hokoet me Hono na 2. Hone ORebow 26 lege! Hoppe Bin 62 Hon Colo Io Hota Agr tec ane fo 69 (n Ka) 0 Arou Yoo, 4 rei olsng Kawa [oo ‘sho 4 oe Worry 78 ohn Benshin 38 Tihi'no Ue ni ma Sannen 70 Twanw go Hana 5 eke ne Suni oe de] Tacke sbunte oe 71 Ko no Noku Yoona Koo Kotaboo © Kate 89 Kotor ga Sema 56 Keze ng lover 18 Kea a no Goteshy 90 Kethi go Hikai 57 Them Kole Musazu & 91 Kuo 9 Tulomy Yoo. 19 Kasai Mena mwa Pata © ‘Sirs 2 Kotowole 79 res foot Bs a ina Kano re mn ‘Mizu no a1 Hea a ict g okisura i Mochi 44 Helo'mo Shashi mo. 28 Neko a! Kaban "29" Neto no'Hior” 30 Nelo no fame Keriei 31 Nemoneshi 6 Ne'me Hoims Not 9, Nana 0 The Nino'asio Fury 73 Norsn ni Useosh’” 94 Spel fe no Mun 32 ie mre Sannin Yoreba ‘eochmachi 74 ‘onebonsan” 80 Ryooyaky Kechi ni Nigashi 59 ieee ae Shi Made Mut Sode po sho. 98 Somebo Miyalo” 8 Sina Kom Yoo 99 Sithaume "76 Suzume mo Nemido 33 Tae Kou Mush mo Sokizuki 46 Tekobon 9 Ozu “100 Tekane no Nona "72 Toke 9 Wana Yoo, 13 Tats Tor ala Nigosany 34 ar Thur no Kove go Agel 62 Water ni Fane 82 aaa Yohei ira 24 ina no None, $8 Wako 1 oe li

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