Tag Archives: skill

But what do you do with half a hemp-tangle?

Posted on October 3, 2018 by Confanity

Throw water on it, maybe 快刀乱麻 kai.tou.ran.ma Literally: pleasant – sword – disorder – hemp Alternately: Skillfully (and quickly) resolving a complicated situation or solving a complicated problem. Notes: 快刀 is a sword with a good cutting edge; 乱麻 is … Continue reading →

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[Insert imaginative title here]

Posted on April 27, 2016 by Confanity

創意工夫 sou.i.ku.fuu Literally: start – idea – construct – man Alternately: Creativity and skill in formulating and realizing a new idea. 創意 is “new idea,” and 工夫 means (coming up with) a clever way to do something.

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Juggling for a rainy day

Posted on March 20, 2016 by Confanity

芸は身を助く (Gei wa mi wo tasuku; “An art saves the body”) Definition: Take the time to learn a skill or develop a talent, because the time may come when you’ll need it to make a living. Even hobbies can be … Continue reading →

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

For example, some day I might be good at this Japanese stuff

Posted on March 29, 2015 by Confanity

好きこそ物の上手なれ (Suki koso mono no jouzu nare; “People are good at what they like.”) Definition: The things that you enjoy, you’re going to more cheerfully spend more time and effort on, so your skill in those areas will improve more … Continue reading →

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

Talons and Talents

Posted on July 7, 2014 by Confanity

This week’s kotowaza was recommended by a friend. If any of my readers have further suggestions or requests for specific sayings, please feel free to contact me! 能ある鷹は爪を隠す (Nou aru taka wa tsume wo kakusu; “The skilled hawk hides its … Continue reading →

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