Category Archives: Japanese

Even Perlman?

Posted on May 23, 2021 by Confanity

論より証拠(Ron yori shouko;“Proof over theory”) Definition: The proof of the pudding is in the eating. Things tend to be clarified more by evidence than by arguing or philosophizing about them. Concrete examples are the first step and foundation when trying … Continue reading →

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The great insulator

Posted on May 19, 2021 by Confanity

Second only to sudden bereavement – Joan Aiken 一攫千金i-.kkaku.sen.kin Literally: one – take – thousand – gold Alternately: Making a large profit at one stroke without much effort. Note that the instantaneous and easy nature of the wealth in question … Continue reading →

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Skating on thin wood

Posted on May 16, 2021 by Confanity

板子一枚下は地獄(Itago ichimai shita wa jigoku;“One plank below is perdition”) Definition: This sailors’ saying expresses the fact that sailing is a dangerous profession, and warns them to be careful while out on the water. Only a thin bit of wood separates … Continue reading →

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A shot, but not in the dark

Posted on May 12, 2021 by Confanity

Completely ignoring the phantom dog (Today I got my second covid vaccine! “Injection” in Japanese is 注射, chuusha, so please enjoy this four-character compound containing 射.) 射石飲羽sha.seki.in.u Literally: shoot – stone – drink – feather Alternately: If you throw yourself … Continue reading →

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If at first you don’t succeed…

Posted on May 9, 2021 by Confanity

…that’s perfectly normal, so wait. (My records show that this is the 365th kotowaza post in the series! In celebration, I decided to use a saying that includes the character 年, “year.”) 商い三年(Akinai sannen;“Business dealings, three years”) Definition: A business … Continue reading →

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Seven is just the beginning!

Posted on May 5, 2021 by Confanity

子子孫孫shi.shi.son.son Literally: child – child – grandchild – grandchild Alternately: One’s children and grandchildren; one’s descendants; posterity; until the end of history. Notes: Each repeated character may be written with the repetition mark 々; the second 孫 (in either form) … Continue reading →

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A cup of water onto the sand.

Posted on May 2, 2021 by Confanity

In the Dry Land. 爪で拾って箕で零す(Tsume de hirotte mi de kobosu;“Scraped up with the fingernails; spilled with a basket”) Definition: Some resource that was gathered slowly and with great effort over an extended period of time is used up in an … Continue reading →

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I can see clearly now; I’m way up high

Posted on April 28, 2021 by Confanity

I can see all obstacles in my way 一望千里ichi.bou.sen.ri Literally: one – see / desire – thousand – ri Alternately: A broad, expansive vista. Being able to see out to a great distance with a single glance; having a bird’s-eye … Continue reading →

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Square Eggs that Look Round

Posted on April 25, 2021 by Confanity

“‘My dear old fish,’ said Mr Wonka, ‘go and boil your head!’” – he probably didn’t know about this saying. 丸い卵も切りようで四角(Marui tamago mo kiriyou de shikaku;“Even a round egg can be square, depending on how you cut it.”) Definition: A … Continue reading →

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We all agree with that man, Joe

Posted on April 21, 2021 by Confanity

And his Bizarre Adventures 満場一致man.jou.i-.cchi Literally: full – place – one – do Alternately: Universal accordance. Unanimity. There is not a single dissenting voice in the entire place / group / assembly. Notes: This is a relatively simple compound of … Continue reading →

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