Category Archives: Japanese

Some cows give milk; this one says “Mu”

Posted on December 12, 2018 by Confanity

無為無能 mu.i.mu.nou Literally: nothing – do/benefit – nothing – ability Alternately: Not doing anything, and not able to do anything. A complete lack of action, and of ability to achieve anything significant. Idle and incompetent. Notes: Keep in mind that … Continue reading →

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An irony for many residents of DC

Posted on December 9, 2018 by Confanity

Especially the transients. You know who you are. 住めば都 (Sumeba miyako; “If you live there, it’s the capital”) Definition: No matter how inconvenient, old, noisy, or just plain bad your residence is, it still feels like you belong there. Once … Continue reading →

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Glance after equally-loving glance

Posted on December 5, 2018 by Confanity

No piquing, though 一視同仁 i-.sshi.dou.jin Literally: one – look – same – benevolence Alternately: Feeling equal affection for all, without prejudice or discrimination. Universal love, without consideration for rank, caste, or any of the other distinctions that normally divide us. … Continue reading →

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Potholes are another story

Posted on December 2, 2018 by Confanity

盲蛇に怖じず (Mekura hebi ni ojizu; “The blind do not fear snakes”) Definition: The ignorant have no way to judge the true danger of a situation, and so take risks that more knowledgeable people would avoid. “Fools rush in where angels … Continue reading →

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Epistolary epimetheum

Posted on November 28, 2018 by Confanity

妄言多謝 mou.gen.ta.sha Literally: blind/reckless – word – many – apology Alternately: This is a utilitarian phrase used to ask forgiveness after speaking in an imprudent, careless, or prejudiced way. For example, it may be found at the end of a … Continue reading →

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Make sure to rationalize your hands more often in the winter

Posted on November 25, 2018 by Confanity

(to prevent chapping) 理屈と膏薬はどこへでも付く (Rikutsu to kouyaku wa doko he demo tsuku; “Rationalizing and ointment will stick anywhere.”) Definition: People can come up with rationalizations for almost anything. The ideal of reason is a rigorous search for the truth no … Continue reading →

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The problem with thigh drugs

Posted on November 21, 2018 by Confanity

I mean, *a problem 二股膏薬 futa.mata.kou.yaku Literally: two – thigh / crotch – lard / ointment – medicine Alternately: Being here and there; refusing to commit; changing one’s position or opinion based on what seems to be favorable at the … Continue reading →

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Does it flip when you’re old?

Posted on November 19, 2018 by Confanity

少年老い易く学成り難し (Shounen oiyasuku gaku narigatashi; “For a youth to age is easy, and to become a scholar is hard”) Definition: People should study hard when they’re young, because time is precious and fleeting. When you’re young you feel like you … Continue reading →

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Blurt

Posted on November 14, 2018 by Confanity

開口一番 kai.kou.ichi.ban Literally: open – mouth – one – [ordinal counter] Alternately: The first thing out of someone’s mouth. The very first thing someone says when they start talking. Alternately, to start speaking suddenly and without warning.

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The other big one is wearing socks on hardwood floors

Posted on November 11, 2018 by Confanity

生兵法は大怪我の基 (Namabyouhou wa ookega no moto; “Green soldiering leads to great harm”) Definition: To do things with an incomplete or half-baked set of knowledge or skills is to invite failure. “A little learning is a dangerous thing; drink deep.” Going … Continue reading →

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