Tag Archives: Xun Kuang

Hey, simulation!

Posted on August 13, 2018 by Confanity

麻の中の蓬 (Asa no naka no yomogi; “Mugwort amongst hemp”) Definition: If you spend time with good people you’ll be influenced and inspired by them, and become a better person yourself. This is the positive-oriented counterpart to last week’s 朱に交われば赤くなる. The … Continue reading →

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

War and Weft

Posted on February 7, 2018 by Confanity

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 , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Gird your loins, or your chin

Posted on March 26, 2017 by Confanity

勝って兜の緒を締めよ (Katte kabuto no o wo shimeyo; “When you win, tighten your helmet-strap”) Definition: A warning to not let down one’s guard even when things seem to be going well or when one seems to have won a fight. Always … Continue reading →

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

Darker than Black… is not a sequel

Posted on January 24, 2016 by Confanity

青は藍より出でて藍より青し (Ao wa ai yori idete ai yori aoshi; “Blue comes from indigo and is bluer than indigo.”) Definition: “The student has surpassed the master.” Alternately, hard work and study can lead to greater levels of ability than innate talent. … Continue reading →

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