Category Archives: Yojijukugo

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 →

Posted in Japanese, Yojijukugo | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

You have good lumber for this job!

Posted on October 21, 2015 by Confanity

適材適所 teki.zai.teki.sho Literally: suitable – material – suitable – place Alternately: “The right person in the right place.” Placing someone in a position or job that matches their character and skills. Finding the right person to do a given job. … Continue reading →

Posted in Japanese, Yojijukugo | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

A single turn of the heart machine!

Posted on October 14, 2015 by Confanity

心機一転 shin.ki.i-.tten Literally: heart – mechanism – one – turn Alternately: A complete change (for the better) in one’s emotional state in response to something. A fresh outlook on life. Turning over a new leaf. Notes: There are many ways … Continue reading →

Posted in Japanese, Yojijukugo | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Round ’em up!

Posted on October 7, 2015 by Confanity

一網打尽 ichi.mou.da.jin Literally: one – net – hit – use up Alternately: Arresting an entire criminal organization at once. Catching all the bad guys in one net. Notes: This one seems to come from the Song Shi.

Posted in Japanese, Yojijukugo | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

There’s no sense crying over every mistake. You just keep on trying ’til you run out of cake.

Posted on September 30, 2015 by Confanity

試行錯誤 shi.kou.saku.go Literally: test – go / conduct – disordered – error Alternately: Trial and error. Solving a problem through repeated attempts. Notes: This seems to have been directly translated from the English “trial and error.”

Posted in Japanese, Yojijukugo | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

What goes up, must come down.

Posted on September 23, 2015 by Confanity

A continuation. 盛者必衰 jou.sha.hi-.ssui Literally: prosper – person – inevitable – decline Alternately: All those who prosper will see their fortunes wane. Even those who attain worldly success and glory will eventually fall or fade away, due to the mutable … Continue reading →

Posted in Japanese, Yojijukugo | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

“And all the heat in the universe / is gonna coooool doooown”

Posted on September 16, 2015 by Confanity

Doubly topical! This week we’re reading a section of the Tale of the Heike for class. 諸行無常 sho.gyou.mu.jou Literally: many / various – go – no – ordinary / always Alternately: Nothing lasts forever. All worldly things are transient. Sic transit … Continue reading →

Posted in Japanese, Yojijukugo | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Can you see the road ahead?

Posted on September 9, 2015 by Confanity

前途有望 zen.to.yuu.bou Literally: before / front – road – is / have – aspire / desire / expect Alternately: Good prospects. A promising future. High chances of being successful. Said of a person’s overall prospective career rather than the success … Continue reading →

Posted in Japanese, Yojijukugo | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

All the feels, all the grudges

Posted on September 2, 2015 by Confanity

多情多恨 ta.jou.ta.kon Literally: many – emotion – many – regret / resentment / hatred Alternately: Easily swayed by one’s emotions, and therefore prone to resentment or sadness. Wearing one’s heart on one’s sleeve, and suffering as a result.

Posted in Japanese, Yojijukugo | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Likeaflash

Posted on August 26, 2015 by Confanity

電光石火 den.kou.se-.kka Literally: electricity – light – stone – fire Alternately: A very short span of time. Alternately, incredible speed of motion. “Lightning-flash and sparks (struck from a stone),” as examples of things that happen quickly. Notes: The parts can … Continue reading →

Posted in Japanese, Yojijukugo | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment