Category Archives: Japanese

Epoch-marking uniqueness!

Posted on February 25, 2015 by Confanity

史上空前 shi.jou.kuu.zen Literally: history – above/up – empty – before Alternately: Unprecedented. Unheard of. History-making. The very first ever. Notes:In cases like this, the 上 character refers to a vague scope of the topic under discussion. It can also be … Continue reading →

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Literally half the plot of the Tale of Genji

Posted on February 22, 2015 by Confanity

壁に耳あり障子に目あり (Kabe ni mimi ari shouji ni me ari; “The walls have ears, the doors have eyes”) Definition: If you’re talking about something that you want to keep secret for any reason, be careful. Keep in mind how much of … Continue reading →

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Blang blang blang

Posted on February 18, 2015 by Confanity

丁々発止 chou.chou.has-.shi Literally: *chou – *chou – emit – stop Alternately: The sound of clashing swords; an argument as fierce as if it were a life-or-death sword fight. Notes: 丁 has a number of meanings, such as a street or … Continue reading →

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On achieving clarity

Posted on February 15, 2015 by Confanity

Here’s our fortieth kotowaza: 四十にして惑わず (Shijuu ni shite madowazu; “At forty, no doubts”) Definition: This extremely optimistic saying asserts that by the time you reach forty years old, your ability to reason is well-developed, your studies have given you a … Continue reading →

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On upside-down trees

Posted on February 11, 2015 by Confanity

本末転倒 hon.matsu.ten.tou Literally: root/origin – tip/end – revolve/turn – fall Alternately: Putting the cart before the horse. Getting your priorities turned around, or otherwise being mistaken about the relative importance of things. Mixing up cause and effect. Notes: 本 and 末 … Continue reading →

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Emeralds to a sea cucumber. Platinum to a moose.

Posted on February 8, 2015 by Confanity

猫に小判 (Neko ni koban; “Gold coins to a cat”) Definition: Casting pearls before swine. No matter how valuable or useful something is, if you give it to someone who doesn’t understand its worth or use, then it won’t do them … Continue reading →

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How to make of yourself an evening vessel

Posted on February 4, 2015 by Confanity

Today’s four-character compound stands in direct opposition to last time’s 栴檀は双葉より芳し. 大器晩成 tai.ki.ban.sei Literally: big – container/tool – evening – become Alternately: Great skill blooms late. Just as a large vessel such as a cauldron or temple bell isn’t cast … Continue reading →

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Precocity!

Posted on February 1, 2015 by Confanity

栴檀は双葉より芳し (Sendan wa futaba yori kanbashi; “The sandalwood tree is fragrant from when it’s a sprout”) Definition: Genius shows even in childhood. Just as the wood of the sandalwood tree smells nice even when it is just a sapling, so … Continue reading →

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A little high; a little low; any way the wind blows

Posted on January 28, 2015 by Confanity

一喜一憂 i-.kki.ichi.yuu Literally: one – joy – one – sorrow/anxiety Alternately: Alternating positve and negative feelings: joy and sorrow, hope and fear, cheerfulness and worry. Being unable to put one’s mind at ease. Mood swings. Extreme sensitivity to small changes … Continue reading →

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Maslow would agree

Posted on January 25, 2015 by Confanity

Here’s another famous one: 花より団子 (Hana yori dango; “Dumplings before flowers”) Definition: People value things that address their concrete needs over more abstract, artistic considerations. It is better for something to be profitable or beneficial than merely pleasing. Substance is … Continue reading →

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