Category Archives: Yojijukugo

Godot. Guffman. Superman. The Man.

Posted on September 10, 2014 by Confanity

Hoping for fall – and cooler weather – to come soon. 一日三秋 ichi.jitsu.san.shuu Literally: one – day – three – autumn(s) Alternately: A single day seems like three years. Each moment seems to drag on. Waiting impatiently. Notes: The first … Continue reading →

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With single solitary blade, the samurai his entrance made

Posted on September 3, 2014 by Confanity

単刀直入 tan.tou.choku.nyuu Literally: simple/single – sword – direct/frankness/repair – enter Alternately: Charging into a mass of enemies with just one sword to protect you. Getting straight to the point. Being direct instead of roundabout. Saying something point-blank without niceties or … Continue reading →

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Standing on the shoulders of giants to see far

Posted on August 27, 2014 by Confanity

A yojijukugo for going back to school. 温故知新 on.ko.chi.shin Literally: warm – reason/cause/therefore – know – new Alternately: Learning from the past. Gaining new knowledge or wisdom through (thorough) study of the past. Moving forward with new ideas, based on … Continue reading →

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Although I do say so myself…

Posted on August 20, 2014 by Confanity

自画自賛 ji.ga.ji.san Literally: self – picture – self – praise Alternately: Singing one’s own praises. Blowing one’s own horn. (Public) self-congratulation. Note: Although the 賛 can be translated as “praise,” in this case it refers to a tradition of writing poetry, … Continue reading →

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Said my Parents, with One Voice

Posted on August 13, 2014 by Confanity

異口同音 i.ku.dou.on Literally: Different – mouth – same – sound Alternately: “With one voice,” “in concert,” unanimous(ly) Notes: Keep in mind that 口 is pronounced ku rather than the more common kou.

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Another meeting of minds

Posted on August 6, 2014 by Confanity

This week’s yojijukugo was chosen for its thematic similarity to Sunday’s kotowaza. 以心伝心 i.shin.den.shin Literally: By means of – heart/mind – transmit – heart/mind Alternately: Tacit understanding. Sympathy; empathy; telepathy. “Communion of mind with mind.” [Youtube]

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Little, Big

Posted on July 30, 2014 by Confanity

針小棒大 shin.shou.bou.dai Literally: Needle small pole big Alternately: Something is as small as a needle, but described as a pole (as long as a person). Exaggeration. Making a mountain out of a mole-hill.

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The Good Life

Posted on July 23, 2014 by Confanity

I asked my wife what yojijukugo she liked while flipping through a book of them. She said this one just as I was looking over the page it was on. That’s the six-fingered hand of Fate right there. * * … Continue reading →

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Now introducing Yojijukugo

Posted on July 17, 2014 by Confanity

When I’m looking for kotowaza to introduce, I often come across yojijukugo – four-character compounds that often serve similar functions. (In fact, there are a number of longer sayings that have been condensed to four-character phrases.) The tradition of using … Continue reading →

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