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Author Archives: Confanity
But in Bizarro World, everything is great!
If you live in a democracy, be in touch with your representatives. Even if you live in a country where things are going fine, be in touch and let them know you’re paying attention. It turns out that taking the … Continue reading
Posted in Japanese, Uncategorized, Yojijukugo
Tagged atrocity, current events, 無道, evil, 非道, 律令法
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Hearing is dreaming, seeing is believing?
Speech is silver, experience is lead 聞いて極楽見て地獄 (Kiite gokuraku mite jigoku; “Hearing is heaven, seeing is hell”) Definition: When you only hear about something second-hand it may sound amazing, but experiencing it personally is another matter. Use this saying in … Continue reading
Posted in Japanese, Kotowaza
Tagged hearsay, Iroha karuta, Naraku, reality, Sukhavati, 地獄, 極楽
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What we need now is a more dangerous boat…?
呉越同舟 go.etsu.dou.shuu Literally: Wu – Yue – same – boat Alternately: Enemies in the same place at the same time, especially facing a common danger, challenge, or foe. People who would normally fight, forced by circumstances to work together. Being … Continue reading
Posted in Japanese, Yojijukugo
Tagged common danger, enemies working together, Spring and Autumn period, topical, 同舟, 呉越, 春秋時代
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Why say good-bye
Hello, hello? ああ言えばこう言う (Aa ieba kou iu; “If (I) say this, (you) say that.”) Definition: Quibbling and back-talk. Arguing for the sake of arguing. No matter what advice or instruction one person gives, the other objects to as much of … Continue reading
Now flying at the speed of internet
流言蜚語 ryuu.gen.hi.go Literally: flow – word – cockroach – speech Alternately: Baseless rumors. Canards. Notes: The rare character 蜚 may be replaced with homophone 飛 (“fly”), but why would you want to do that?
Pay it forward…
…until it comes back? 情けは人の為ならず (Nasake wa hito no tame narazu; “Compassion isn’t just for the sake of others”) Definition: Showing pity, mercy, or compassion for others isn’t just a favor you do to them; it’s for your own sake … Continue reading
Posted in Japanese, Kotowaza
Tagged classical Japanese grammar, compassion, what goes around, 情け, 人の為ならず
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Hagoromo
Or, you know. 天衣無縫 ten.i.mu.hou Literally: heaven – clothing – no – stitch Alternately: Naturally flawless and beautiful. Amazingly well-made, without any sign of artifice. Usually refers to poetry, or to a person’s unaffected innocence of character. Notes: A number … Continue reading
