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.

Even this old man comes rolling home

Posted on January 21, 2018 by Confanity

枯れ木も山の賑わい (Kareki mo yama no nigiwai; “Even a dead tree adds life to a mountain”) Definition: Even something boring or drab is better than nothing at all. Even dead, withered trees give more “life” to a mountainside than if it … Continue reading →

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A yojijukugo for college students

Posted on January 17, 2018 by Confanity

Or new parents. Or night shift workers. Or… 半醒半睡 han.sei.han.sui Literally: half – wake – half – asleep Alternately: Not fully conscious. Half awake and half asleep. Bleary. Notes: The order of the halves may be reversed in some cases … Continue reading →

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Warm, but not a good oven

Posted on January 14, 2018 by Confanity

雪隠で饅頭 (Secchin de manjuu; “A bun in the outhouse”) Definition: Hiding away in order to enjoy something all by oneself, like squirreling oneself away in the toilet to have a snack (or go online with a smartphone, these days). Other, … Continue reading →

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Like when you’re arguing despite agreeing

Posted on January 10, 2018 by Confanity

同工異曲 dou.kou.i.kyoku Literally: same – construction – different – melody Alternately: The technique or methodology used in making two things is the same, but the style is different. Things appearing markedly different despite being born of fundamentally the same character … Continue reading →

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A tail full of sound, and furry

Posted on January 7, 2018 by Confanity

(Told by an idiot) 大山鳴動して鼠一匹 (Taizan meidou shite nezumi ippiki; “The mountain trembles; a single mouse.”) Definition: Terrible harbingers and portents without follow-through. Much ado, after which, nothing. Especially used in reference to empty threats. Like a large mountain rumbling … Continue reading →

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Earthquake blooming

Posted on January 3, 2018 by Confanity

Arson benevolence?!? 改過自新 kai.ka.ji.shin Literally: change – error – self – new Alternately: Turning over a new leaf. Recognizing and working to correct one’s flaws and errors, and starting anew with a change of heart. New Year’s Resolution stuff. Notes: … Continue reading →

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Emerald cufflinks on a woodchuck

Posted on December 31, 2017 by Confanity

猿に烏帽子 (Saru ni eboshi; “A courtier’s cap on a monkey”) Definition: When the appearance of something is all dressed up, but doesn’t match its real content. Alternately, unfitting behavior. Like putting a fancy hat of the kind that used to … Continue reading →

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Snow falling on things other than cedars

Posted on December 27, 2017 by Confanity

雪中松柏 se-.cchuu.shou.haku Literally: snow – middle – pine – Oriental arborvitae tree Alternately: Not swerving from one’s intent, principles, or loyalties despite external situations. Not bending to circumstances, pressure, or fads. Most trees drop their leaves in the fall and … Continue reading →

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Silver tongues and golden ears

Posted on December 24, 2017 by Confanity

話し上手は聞き上手 (Hanashi jouzu wa kiki jouzu; “A good talker is a good listener”) Definition: The people who are truly skilled at speaking are those who listen well to others before saying their own piece. Good listening is an integral component … Continue reading →

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Ask an evil question…

Posted on December 20, 2017 by Confanity

悪因悪果 aku.in.a-.kka Literally: evil – cause – evil – fruit Alternately: Evil deeds have evil effects. From bad comes bad. Misfortune and suffering follow misdeeds. Notes: Originally derived from Buddhist teachings (specifically the 117th verse of the Dhammapada, this compound … Continue reading →

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