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Tag Archives: 史記
Hot air rises
意気揚揚i.ki.you.you Literally: mind/heart – spirit – raise – raise Alternately: In high spirits; triumphant, elated… by extension, boastful; proud unto arrogance; full of oneself. Often used with the ironic or critical nuance that someone’s inflated self-esteem is not actually in … Continue reading
Posted in Japanese, Yojijukugo
Tagged arrogance, bullies, pride, Records of the Grand Historian, triumph, 史記, 史记, 意気, 揚々, 揚揚
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Just avoid immovable objects
…and you’ll be fine. Right? 断じて行えば鬼神も之を避く (Danjite okonaeba kishin mo kore wo saku; “If you do things decisively, even demon-gods will get out of the way”) Definition: If you take decisive action backed by strong determination, there is little that … Continue reading
Posted in Japanese, Kotowaza
Tagged classical grammar, determination, 鬼神, Records of the Grand Historian, willpower, 史記, 断じて
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Please do not bend, fold, spindle or mutilate
曲学阿世 kyoku.gaku.a.sei Literally: bend – study – flatter – society Alternately: Twisting knowledge or reason in order to fit in with a trend or pander to some powerful element of society. Perverting truth in favor of social or political expediency. … Continue reading
Posted in Japanese, Yojijukugo
Tagged 阿世, perversion, reason, Records of the Grand Historian, science, 儒林, 史記, 曲学
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Nor trying at plying
All the songless birds can fly, though 鳴かず飛ばず (Nakazu tobazu; “Nor crying nor flying”) Definition: Quietly waiting one’s chance. Doing nothing for a long time, but with the specific intention of taking action as soon as the opportunity finally comes. … Continue reading
Posted in Japanese, Kotowaza
Tagged biding, 荘王, Records of the Grand Historian, story, waiting, 史記
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Yinstring and Yangtwine
禍福は糾える縄の如し (Kafuku wa azanaeru nawa no gotoshi; “Good and ill fortune are entwined like (the strands of) a rope”) Definition: Good luck and bad luck are intimately and inextricably connected; you can’t have only one or the other. Every cloud … Continue reading
Posted in Japanese, Kotowaza
Tagged classical Japanese grammar, 禍福, 糾える縄, intertwined, Records of the Grand Historian, silver lining, 史記
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War and Weft
合従連衡 ga-.sshou.ren.kou Literally: join – vertical – lead – horizontal Alternately: This compound commonly refers to diplomacy based on calculations of profit and loss; of making and breaking alliances based on the convenience of the moment. Originally, it referred to … Continue reading
Posted in Japanese, Yojijukugo
Tagged alliances, Chinese history, diplomacy, 連衡, 荀子, Records of the Grand Historian, Warring States, Xun Kuang, 史記, 合従
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Earthquake blooming
Arson benevolence?!? 改過自新 kai.ka.ji.shin Literally: change – error – self – new Alternately: Turning over a new leaf. Recognizing and working to correct one’s flaws and errors, and starting anew with a change of heart. New Year’s Resolution stuff. Notes: … Continue reading
Posted in Japanese, Yojijukugo
Tagged 自新, new leaf, New Year, Records of the Grand Historian, renewal, 史記, 改過
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Mere anarchy
Does the candy association accept this member mint? 四分五裂 shi.bun.go.retsu Literally: four – part – five – split Alternately: Disintegration. Things coming apart. Order breaking down and chaos taking over. Notes: The 分 may also be pronounced bu, although this … Continue reading
Posted in Japanese, Yojijukugo
Tagged Ayanami Rei, chaos, disintegration, disorder, Records of the Grand Historian, 史記, 四分, 張儀, 五裂
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🎶So🎶
Later someone invented a system of eight directions. 四面楚歌 shi.men.so.ka Literally: four – face – Chu – song Alternately: Completely alone and cut off, surrounded by enemies. Having foes in all (four cardinal) directions. Feeling forsaken and betrayed. Notes: This … Continue reading
Posted in Japanese, Yojijukugo
Tagged alone, cat versus chickens, 項羽, forsaken, Records of the Grand Historian, surrounded, Xiang Yu, 史記, 四面, 楚歌
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LA, LA, LA, LA LA LA, LA-LA-LA LA LA LA
(It’s a French song; very appropriate.) 傍若無人 bou.jaku.bu.jin Literally: bystander – possibly / (young) – nothing – person Alternately: Doing or saying whatever the hell you want without caring that you’re in public. Acting however you feel like without consideration … Continue reading
Posted in Japanese, Yojijukugo
Tagged arrogance, 無人, disregard for others, doing what you want, Haruhi Suzumiya, Records of the Grand Historian, 傍若, 史記
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