Tag Archives: Japanese culture

Hefty fluff

Posted on December 27, 2020 by Confanity

重箱の隅を突く (Juubako no sumi wo tsutsuku; “To poke at the corners of a juubako”) Definition: To fuss over trivial details; to nitpick; to carp endlessly about fine points that don’t actually make a difference. The image is of someone who … Continue reading →

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The ease of TITO

Posted on June 30, 2019 by Confanity

上げ膳据え膳 (Agezen suezen; “Table-clearing; table-setting”) Definition: Not doing anything; having everything done for one. Can be positive, as when describing the service at a luxury resort, or negative, as when describing a friend or family member who isn’t pulling their … Continue reading →

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Has your son married a mouse?

Posted on April 13, 2015 by Confanity

Sorry for the late kotowaza post this week! Things are getting busy, and I had a heck of a time trying to come up with an example usage. Anyway, here’s a beautiful example of folk etymology run amok. 秋茄子嫁に食わすな (Akinasubi yome … 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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