Category Archives: Japanese

Play it again, Sam – ?

Posted on November 29, 2015 by Confanity

I like this kotowaza so much, I think I’ll post it next week too! 馬鹿の一つ覚え (Baka no hitotsu oboe; “The one thing a fool remembers”) Definition: “He that knows little often repeats it.” A foolish person clings to one thing, … Continue reading →

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Or, can a dog be French?

Posted on November 25, 2015 by Confanity

Another yojijukugo using the rare “dog” character that we saw last week: 狗子仏性 ku.shi.bu-.sshou Literally: dog – child / (zodiac) rat – Buddha – nature / gender Alternately: “Does a dog have a Buddha nature?” – a classic zen koan. … Continue reading →

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Now I’m caught on the phrase “ear-spoon.”

Posted on November 22, 2015 by Confanity

Counterpoint: 杓子は耳掻きにならず (Shakushi wa mimikaki ni narazu; “A ladle can not be used as an ear-spoon.”) Definition: This saying directly opposes last week’s 大は小を兼ねる. It declares that a larger thing can not necessarily fulfill the role of a smaller one, … Continue reading →

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Is this where I snark about Apple products?

Posted on November 18, 2015 by Confanity

羊頭狗肉 you.tou.ku.niku Literally: sheep – head – dog – meat Alternately: A lack of truth in advertising. Advertising something better than what you’re actually selling. Something seems high-quality, but its actual nature or essence is substandard. Notes: This is another … Continue reading →

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That’s what she said?

Posted on November 15, 2015 by Confanity

大は小を兼ねる (Dai wa shou wo kaneru; “The large does the work of the small”) Definition: Something that is more can do the work of something that is less. Better too much than too little. It is possible to use a … Continue reading →

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Enjoy it while it lasts

Posted on November 11, 2015 by Confanity

Happy November! While it will no doubt be over by the time this post goes live (I’m typing it up a week in advance), we’re even having a very appropriate spell of warm weather right now: sunny, with highs in … Continue reading →

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“Because when I get angry, even flies don’t dare to fly!”

Posted on November 8, 2015 by Confanity

地震雷火事親父 (Jishin kaminari kaji oyaji; “Earthquake, thunder, fire, father”) Definition: Scary things. The first and third are self-explanatory for an earthquake-prone archipelago that was home, especially by the end of the Edo era, to dense urban centers built almost entirely … Continue reading →

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Super deep!

Posted on November 4, 2015 by Confanity

A very appropriate yojijukugo for the sixty-ninth entry in the series. I can hardly believe it’s been over a year already! 意味深長 i.mi.shin.chou Literally: thought – flavor – deep – long Alternately: Containing deep meaning. Possibly this meaning is hidden, … Continue reading →

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Always look on the bright side of life [whistling]

Posted on November 1, 2015 by Confanity

笑う門には福来る (Warau kado ni wa fuku kitaru; “Good fortune comes to laughing gates.”) Definition: Fortune and happiness, or good luck, come to the homes of those who are always smiling and laughing. A positive attitude attracts positive events. Life is … Continue reading →

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The mind, a mirror; the will, like water

Posted on October 28, 2015 by Confanity

明鏡止水 mei.kyou.shi.sui Literally: bright – mirror – stop – water Alternately: Like a polished mirror. Like still water. Clear and serene. Specifically, a placid mental state that results from a mind free of ill-will or wicked thoughts. The calm of … Continue reading →

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