Category Archives: Japanese

This kotowaza brought to you by Ed Sheeran

Posted on March 24, 2019 by Confanity

(Thusly.) 対岸の火事 (Taigan no kaji; “Fire on the far shore”) Definition: Somebody Else’s Problem. Something that doesn’t impact you in any way; “No skin off my nose.” Like a fire seen from the opposite shore of a body of water, … Continue reading →

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Pride cometh

Posted on March 19, 2019 by Confanity

Every castle is undefeated… for some while! 難攻不落 nan.kou.fu.raku Literally: difficult – attack – not – fall Alternately: Nigh impervious to assault. Difficult even to attack, much less to actually bring down, like a near-impregnable castle. By extension, a situation … Continue reading →

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Butter, no; steel, yes

Posted on March 17, 2019 by Confanity

衆口金を鑠かす (Shuukou kin wo tokasu; “The mouths of the masses melt metal.”) Definition: Rumor and slander tend to get worse as they spread. The power of many people all talking about something is to be feared, because even correct information … Continue reading →

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Seal up your lips, and give no words

Posted on March 13, 2019 by Confanity

But mum! 他言無用 ta.gon.mu.you Literally: other – say – no – use Alternately: “Don’t talk about this to anyone.” “Loose lips sink ships.” Notes: 言 may also be pronounced gen. In contrast to the aphoristic nature of most yojijukugo, this … Continue reading →

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Castles in the (hot) air

Posted on March 10, 2019 by Confanity

口では大坂の城も建つ (Kuchi de wa Oosaka no shiro mo tatsu; “Even Osaka Castle can be built in words”) Definition: Mighty deeds are easy to talk about, but hard to actually accomplish. “Easier said than done.” Breakdown: We begin with the noun … Continue reading →

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A long and winding situation

Posted on March 6, 2019 by Confanity

紆余曲折 u.yo.kyoku.setsu Literally: crouch – too much – bend – fold / fracture Alternately: 紆余 refers to something, especially a road, being full of twists and turns. 曲折 similarly refers to something being bent or zig-zag. Put them together and … Continue reading →

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High fructose corn syrup and lasers!

Posted on March 3, 2019 by Confanity

More mildly, Stevia and sharpened spoons? 口に蜜あり腹に剣あり (Kuchi ni mitsu ari hara ni ken ari; “Honey in the mouth and a sword in the gut”) Definition: Saying things that sound good, but secretly harboring malice or enmity. Honeyed words and … Continue reading →

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Pricier than formula and sunscreen!

Posted on February 27, 2019 by Confanity

(Just a reminder: hi is pronounced like “hee”) 乳母日傘 on.ba.hi.gasa Literally: milk / breast – mother – sun – umbrella Alternately: Raising a child with the utmost care. By extension, coddling and excess in child-rearing. Raising hothouse children. From the … Continue reading →

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The best way to be salty

Posted on February 24, 2019 by Confanity

敵に塩を送る (Teki ni shio wo okuru; “To send your enemy salt”) Definition: When an opponent is having some difficulty in distress, to offer aid instead of taking the opportunity to strike. May especially apply if the distress is unrelated to … Continue reading →

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Helioseismology burp?

Posted on February 20, 2019 by Confanity

日進月歩 ni-.sshin.ge-.ppo Literally: day – advance – month – walk Alternately: Steady progress. A relatively smooth and rapid advance, especially of improvement or development in a positive direction. Notes: This compound has a surprising construction. In general, 日X月Y means something … Continue reading →

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