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.

Not at all like Pi Day plus Shemini Atzeret

Posted on August 23, 2015 by Confanity

Well, a new semester is starting! My wife’s gotten into grad school, and I’ll be writing my thesis and doing a translation project and taking a course or two, and we have a one-year-old kid. Whee! 盆と正月が一緒に来たよう (Bon to Shougatsu … Continue reading →

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I didn’t think so.

Posted on August 19, 2015 by Confanity

奇想天外 ki.sou.ten.gai Literally: strange – thought – heavens – outside Alternately: A truly bizarre idea. Something fantastical, novel, unique, unthinkable. A violation of common sense or standard thinking. Notes: In contemporary America, in which novelty is highly valued – perhaps … Continue reading →

Posted in Japanese, Yojijukugo | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Magic Monday – Nothing says “keep out” quite like it

Posted on August 17, 2015 by Confanity

Shun-Rune A vicious spell that requires a blood sacrifice. The caster must kill a living being, or find a fresh kill, and allow its blood to spill on the ground. They must dip a finger in the blood and draw … Continue reading →

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Give me a pass at Cave Pass

Posted on August 16, 2015 by Confanity

I learned this one a long time ago when I was studying for the Kanji Kentei and came to 峠. It’s got an interesting little bit of history bundled up in it, which I like. 洞ヶ峠を決め込む (Horagatouge wo kimekomu; “Staying … Continue reading →

Posted in Japanese, Kotowaza | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Pros and cons. Merits and demerits. Ayes and byes.

Posted on August 12, 2015 by Confanity

是非善悪 ze.hi.zen.aku Literally: justice / correct – injustice / incorrect – good – bad Alternately: Good and evil; right and wrong; the good and bad parts of something.

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Magic Monday – Moving Monday, Travel Tuesday

Posted on August 11, 2015 by Confanity

(My apologies for the late post! We’ve spent the last couple of days moving to a new residence – only about a hundred miles away, which is relatively close by American standards, but still a complex undertaking – and I … Continue reading →

Posted in Rules, Setting | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Urgent news straight from the source!

Posted on August 9, 2015 by Confanity

Here’s another flatulence-related saying! Enjoy! 屁と火事は元から騒ぐ (He to kaji wa moto kara sawagu; “Farts and fires make noise from the source”) Definition: The one who caused a problem often complains about it the most. “The one who smelt it, dealt … Continue reading →

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A yojijukugo for spiders?

Posted on August 5, 2015 by Confanity

傍目八目 oka.me.hachi.moku Literally: side / bystander – eye – eight – eye Alternately: People observing something from outside can understand it better than those directly involved. An objective viewpoint gives the best grasp of a situation. Notes: This phrase comes … Continue reading →

Posted in Japanese, Yojijukugo | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Magic Monday – And that’s how you get a rabbit out of a hat!

Posted on August 3, 2015 by Confanity

Spirit Call Spirit-calling is a magical tradition widely practiced in the Clanlands to the east of the Sianin Mountains. It requires substantial indoctrination before it can be practiced properly. When a would-be conjurer’s training is complete, a sponsor must perform … Continue reading →

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Shutting the something door after the something has escaped

Posted on August 2, 2015 by Confanity

This is the classiest kotowaza I’ve introduced yet, no doubt! 屁を放って尻窄める (He wo hitte shiri subomeru; “Loosing a fart and [then] clenching your butt.”) Definition: Locking the barn door after the horses are gone. This kotowaza refers to frantic attempts … Continue reading →

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