Tag Archives: Zhuangzi

I have seen tempests

Posted on November 18, 2020 by Confanity

櫛風沐雨 shi-.ppuu.moku.u Literally: comb – wind – wash – rain Alternately: Wind-blasted and rain-drenched. With one’s hair blown about by wind and one’s body washed by rain; by extension, someone who is out struggling in stormy weather because of work … Continue reading →

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

As above, so below

Posted on July 8, 2020 by Confanity

(Wet) 上漏下湿 jou.rou.ka.shuu Literally: above – leak – below – damp Alternately: A poverty-stricken household; a dilapidated house. Water leaks in from above when it rains, and damp seeps up from below; a double threat not to be taken lightly … Continue reading →

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

What you don’t know CAN kill you

Posted on October 30, 2019 by Confanity

夏虫疑氷 ka.chuu.gi.hyou Literally: summer – insect – doubt – ice Alternately: A person of extremely limited experience, knowledge, and discernment. Someone ignorant, doubtful, or distrustful of everything that falls outside of their own (meager) personal experience. Like an insect that … Continue reading →

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

Same difference, amirite?

Posted on May 4, 2016 by Confanity

…or perhaps different similarities…. 大同小異 dai.dou.shou.i Literally: big – same – small – different Alternately: Generally similar. The similarities between things outweigh their differences. Although the things being compared may differ in a number of details, the broad strokes are … Continue reading →

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

The mind, a mirror; the will, like water

Posted on October 28, 2015 by Confanity

明鏡止水 mei.kyou.shi.sui Literally: bright – mirror – stop – water Alternately: Like a polished mirror. Like still water. Clear and serene. Specifically, a placid mental state that results from a mind free of ill-will or wicked thoughts. The calm of … Continue reading →

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