Category Archives: Kotowaza

Like taking candy from a baby…

Posted on July 10, 2016 by Confanity

…by beating it in a game of chess 暖簾に腕押し (Noren ni ude-oshi; “arm-wrestling a curtain”) Definition: A deed with no resistance, therefore requiring no real effort, and therefore giving no thrill or satisfaction for the accomplishment. A waste of effort. … Continue reading →

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Cat, hat; in French chat, chapeau

Posted on July 3, 2016 by Confanity

猫を被る (Neko wo kaburu; “To play the cat”) Definition: To hide one’s true (wild or willful) nature and pretend to be quiet and obedient. Alternately, to pretend not to know about a situation that one is actually involved in or … Continue reading →

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Like taking cereal from a baby!

Posted on June 26, 2016 by Confanity

Don’t ask why the hand is wet, though. 濡れ手で粟（を掴み取る） (Nurete de awa (wo tsukamitoru); “(grasping) millet with a wet hand”) Definition: Profit without hard work. Easy money. If you stick a wet hand into a container of fine grains such … Continue reading →

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A saying from Ni no Kuni?

Posted on June 19, 2016 by Confanity

Speechlessness of the White Witch 二の句が継げない (Ni no ku ga tsugenai; “A second word can’t follow”) Definition: Being dumbfounded. In a state of such complete shock or surprise that you can’t get words out even if you feel like you … Continue reading →

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I learn by going where I have to go

Posted on June 12, 2016 by Confanity

習うより慣れよ (Narau yori nareyo; “Experience over learning”) Definition: It’s easier to acquire knowledge or learn a skill by practicing it firsthand than through simply being taught. Hands-on study beats abstract learning methods like lectures or book-reading. Breakdown: We have two … Continue reading →

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Something something Tokyo University

Posted on June 5, 2016 by Confanity

灯台下暗し (Toudai moto kurashi; “Beneath a lamp is dark.”) Definition: It’s surprisingly easy to be ignorant about things or events close-by. We are most blind to what is under our very noses. “Go abroad to hear of home.” The image … Continue reading →

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Thank you Mario! But…

Posted on May 29, 2016 by Confanity

Bowser is in another castle? 敵は本能寺にあり (Teki wa Honnouji ni ari; “The enemy is in Honnou Temple”) Definition: One’s true purpose is “elsewhere.” Someone’s true goals are not what they were stated to be – not because they were confused … Continue reading →

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Nail-biting suspense; nail-burning poverty

Posted on May 22, 2016 by Confanity

爪に火を点す (Tsume ni hi wo tomosu; “To light one’s (finger)nail”) Definition: Extreme penny-pinching. To be incredibly poor, or just incredibly stingy with one’s money. Being unable to afford even a candle – or unwilling to buy one – and instead … Continue reading →

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Wearing your heart on your hat?

Posted on May 15, 2016 by Confanity

頂門の一針 (Choumon no isshin; “A needle in the scalp”) Definition: A warning, scolding, or prohibition that really hits home. An admonition that feels like a needle stuck into the “vital point” at the top of the head. Being told off … Continue reading →

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Who knows enough? I know enough!

Posted on May 8, 2016 by Confanity

Yes, the post title is an obscure Passover joke; thanks for asking! 足るを知る者は富む (Taru wo shiru mono wa tomu; “Who knows ‘enough’ is wealthy.”) Definition: Even a shoestring budget is wealth if it’s enough. People whose needs are met and … Continue reading →

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