Author Archives: Confanity

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About Confanity

I love the written word more than anything else I've had the chance to work with. I'm back in the States from Japan for grad school, but still studying Japanese with the hope of becoming a translator -- or writer, or even teacher -- as long as it's something language-related.

A gathering of silver threads

Posted on August 1, 2018 by Confanity

The Little Mermaid II 百川帰海 hyaku.sen.ki.kai Literally: hundred – river – return (home) – ocean Alternately: Things that were scattered or disparate coming together, like how rivers and streams start here and there but all end up in the sea. … Continue reading →

Posted in Japanese, Yojijukugo | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

But humans turn to face our predators

Posted on July 30, 2018 by Confanity

苛政は虎よりも猛し (Kasei wa tora yori mo takeshi; “A cruel government is more terrible than a tiger”) Definition: The harm done by bad governance is worse than that done by a ravenous tiger. People fear wild nature, but often it poses … Continue reading →

Posted in Japanese, Kotowaza | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Shouldn’t grow on you

Posted on July 25, 2018 by Confanity

短慮軽率 tan.ryo.kei.sotsu Literally: short – consider – light – proportion Alternately: Deciding things without considering the consequences or results. Impulsive; unthinking. Rash. Notes: This four-character compound comprises compound adjectival nouns 短慮, “imprudence,” “quick temper,” and 軽率, “hasty,” “rash.” The order … Continue reading →

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Magic Monday – God-eaters – Shiranuhi

Posted on July 23, 2018 by Confanity

Shiranuhi (Seafire) Description: Sometimes, on clear nights, pale lights can be seen hovering low over the waters of the bay as if mirroring the stars in the sky. First a pair, known as the “parents,” appear, off over the sea. … Continue reading →

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Don’t work for the man, man

Posted on July 22, 2018 by Confanity

Rarely truer than now すまじきものは宮仕え (Sumajiki mono wa miya-dzukae; “The thing one mustn’t do is serve at court”) Definition: If possible, it’s best not to let yourself be used by other people. It’s best to be your own boss instead … Continue reading →

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The playground of Tengu!

Posted on July 18, 2018 by Confanity

天上天下 ten.jou.ten.ge Literally: heavens – up – heavens – down Alternately: The world above the sky (the heavens) and the world below the sky (the earth). Also, the space between heaven and earth. The whole world. Notes: Reading 下 as … Continue reading →

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Birds of any feather care for kids together

Posted on July 15, 2018 by Confanity

Don’t be the kind of sordid villain that drives parents to this level of protective sacrifice. Don’t allow that kind of villain to hold any power over others. Think of the children. 焼け野の雉子夜の鶴 (Yakeno no kigisu yoru no tsuru; “The … Continue reading →

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Written on the 4th of July

Posted on July 11, 2018 by Confanity

(I searched for phrases using 独 because of the 独立記念日.) 唯我独尊 yui.ga.doku.son Literally: only – self – alone – precious Alternately: Thinking that oneself is the best in the world. Being so self-assured that you don’t listen to anyone else. … Continue reading →

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Nor trying at plying

Posted on July 8, 2018 by Confanity

All the songless birds can fly, though 鳴かず飛ばず (Nakazu tobazu; “Nor crying nor flying”) Definition: Quietly waiting one’s chance. Doing nothing for a long time, but with the specific intention of taking action as soon as the opportunity finally comes. … Continue reading →

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Reverse the order for Biblical time

Posted on July 4, 2018 by Confanity

Something birds, something stones? 一朝一夕 i-.cchou.i-.sseki Literally: one – morning – one – evening Alternately: A single day. By extension, a brief and fleeting span of time. Often used in a negative structure to express that something can’t be done … Continue reading →

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