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私は現在 lang-8 という添削サイトで、毎日英語で短い文章を書いています。主な内容は、日本語の語源、ちょっとした雑学、日記などです。ここにその記録を残します。

Currently, I write short texts in English every day on a language exchange social networking website called Lang-8. At first, I mainly wrote it in a diary format, but at some point, fodders for my diary have gradually disappeared, and I began to write etymologies of Japanese terms and trivial things in English. I’d like to leave these article archives here.

[As of February 29, 2024]
投稿数 (Number of Posts): 2,322
単語数 (Number of Words): 268,051

  • in Diary
  • 2 min read

【No. 2322】Fushime (節目 - Milestone)

Feb 29, 2024 12:05
Fushime

Today, February 29, 2024, Lang-8 will end its service.

I have been using this site for about ten years since I registered on December 20, 2014, and that is coming to an end.

Such an important point or moment that marks the end of things is called fushime (節目) in Japanese.

Fushi (節) means "node" or "joint," and me (目) means "point," so fushime means "a point with nodes" like in wood or bamboo.

In particular, bamboo grows strong and tall with nodes created at regular intervals.

The term fushime compares the bamboo nodes to a milestone in one's life.

Going forward, I will move to Nyan-8 using the same account name Toru.

If that is difficult, I will post on X (@kanotown) or on my website (https://blog.kano.ac/archive/).

I would be delighted to continue our relationship in the future.
  • in Essay
  • 3 min read

【No. 2321】Koeru (肥える - Gaining Weight): Part 2

Feb 28, 2024 18:51
Koeru: Part 2

When the verb koeru (肥える - "to gain weight") is used in relation to specific organs of the human body, it means to become rich in one's ability to discern the quality of things.

For example, when used with me (目 - "eye") and saying me ga koeru (目が肥える), it means to gain the ability to distinguish between good and bad works by seeing many excellent works of art.

Similarly, when used with shita (舌 - "tongue") and saying shita ga koeru (舌が肥える), it means to become able to discern subtle differences in flavors by tasting various delicious dishes.

Both cases imply that one's sense has been refined and can be used as a compliment.

However, please note that they can also be used sarcastically towards someone who has become unsatisfied with ordinary work or dishes.
  • in Essay
  • 3 min read

【No. 2320】Koeru (肥える - Getting Weight): Part 1

Feb 27, 2024 09:43
Koeru: Part 1

Today, I would like to introduce the usage of the verb koeru (肥える).

Basically, koeru means for people or animals to gain weight by eating.

Since it includes the nuance of gaining weight by absorbing nutrition, it will sound healthier than simply saying futoru (太る - meaning "to get weight" or "to get fat").

(Of course, note that it can often be rude to use these words towards someone else.)

As mentioned above, koeru has a meaning similar to futoru when used by itself toward a person or animal. However, when it is used for a specific organ of the human body, it has a different meaning.
  • in Essay
  • 2 min read

【No. 2319】Kyodoru (キョドる - Acting suspiciously)

Feb 26, 2024 19:14
Kyodoru

The Japanese slang term kyodoru (キョドる) describes a person who becomes restless or awkward due to not fitting into the atmosphere of the place.

Kyodoru is short shor the phrases kyodō fushin ni naru (挙動不審になる) or kyodō fushin na kōdō wo toru (挙動不審な行動をとる).


Since kyodō (挙動) means "action" or "behavior," and fushin (不審) means "suspicious," the four-character idiom kyodō fushin (挙動不審) literally means "suspicious actions."

Its abbreviated verb form kyodoru is often used as youth slang, which especially refers to awkward behavior or attitude from nervousness, anxiety, or lack of confidence.
  • in Essay
  • 2 min read

【No. 2318】Ikkyo Ichidō (一挙一動 - One's Every Action)

Feb 25, 2024 23:50
Ikkyo Ichidō

The four-character idiom ikkyo ichidō (一挙一動) describes every single small action and behavior of a person.

・I/ichi (い/いち) means "one" or "single."
・Kyo (挙) means "action."
・Dō (動) means "movement."

Therefore, the literal meaning of ikkyo ichidō is "every single action and movement."

Incidentally, combining kyo and dō forms the idiom kyodō (挙動), which means behavior.

It can also be thought that the idiom ikkyo ichidō was formed by adding "一" (meaning "each" or "every single") to the front of each character of "挙動."
  • in Essay
  • 2 min read

【No. 2317】Senri no Michi mo Ippo kara (千里の道も一歩から - A Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Step)

Feb 24, 2024 21:02
Senri no Michi mo Ippo kara

No matter how large a goal or how long a journey is, it all begins with the first step.

The proverb senri no michi mo ippo kara (千里の道も一歩から) describes this concept.

・Sen (千) means "thousand."
・Ri (里) is an old Chinese unit of measurement, approximately 400 meters today.
・Michi (道) means "road" or "journey."
・I (一) means "one" or "first."
・Ho/po (歩) means "step."
・Kara (から) means "from" or "begin with."

Therefore, the literal meaning of this proverb is "A journey of 400 kilometers begins with a single step."

In other words, it is important to take a small first step and accumulate dilligent efforts.

This proverb originates from the words of the ancient Chinese philosopher "Laozi."

【No. 2316】Kinniku-tsū (筋肉痛 - Muscle Pain)

Feb 23, 2024 22:31
Kinniku-tsū

Yesterday, I exercised for the first time in a while, and now my whole body is in a state called kinniku-tsū (筋肉痛).

Since kinniku (筋肉) means "muscle," and tsū (痛) means "pain" or "soreness," kinniku-tsū literally means "muscle pain."

Muscle pain often occurs when muscles are used in unusual ways or after unfamiliar exercise, and it can be mainly classified into two types:

・Kyūsei kinniku-tsū (急性筋肉痛 - "acute muscle pain"): This is the muscle pain felt during or immediately after exercise due to a sudden heavy load.

・Chihatusei kinniku-tsū (遅発性筋肉痛 - "delayed onset muscle soreness; DOMS"): This is a muscle pain that is felt strongly one to three days after exercise and can last for several days. Generally, the term kinniku-tsū refers to this type of muscle pain.

To avoid muscle pain, make sure to exercise on a regular basis and remember to stretch before and after exercise.
  • in Essay
  • 2 min read

【No. 2315】Ohitashi (おひたし)

Feb 22, 2024 23:59
Ohitashi

Yesterday, I introduced hourensou (報連相), which is the fundamentals of business communication for new employees.

In response to hourensou, it is good for supervisors to keep ohitashi (おひたし) in mind.

Ohitashi is an acronym formed from the initial characters: okoranai (怒らない - "not getting angry"), hitei shinai (否定しない - "not denying"), tasukeru (助ける - "helping"), and shiji suru (指示する - "instructing").

These behaviors can facilitate smooth communication in the company.

Incidentally, ohitashi is also the name of a traditional Japanese dish of boiled vegetables seasoned with soy sauce.

In fact, hourensou no ohitashi (ほうれん草のおひたし - "boiled spinach") is a very popular dish in Japan.
  • in Essay
  • 2 min read

【No. 2314】Hourensou (報連相)

Feb 21, 2024 23:59
Hourensou

In Japanese companies, new employees often first learn hourensou (報連相) as the basic business communication.

Hourensou is an acronym formed from the initial kanji characters: houkoku (報告 - "reporting"), renraku (連絡 - "informing"), and soudan (相談 - "consulting").

Some people neglect to share information when they make a mistake at work so as not to get angry with their superiors.

However, such negligence in information sharing can lead to major problems.

Hourensou includes important actions to be aware of to avoid such problems and solve them quickly.

It can also contribute to enhancing the efficiency of operations and improving the overall performance of the organization.

Incidentally, hourensou shares its pronunciation with the Japanese word for spinach, hourensou (ほうれん草).
  • in Essay
  • 2 min read

【No. 2313】Daigaku Nōto (大学ノート - Notebook)

Feb 20, 2024 23:39
Daigaku Nōto

A typical study notebook with horizontal ruled lines is called daigaku nōto (大学ノート) in Japan.

Since daigaku (大学) means "university," and nōto (ノート) means "notebook," the literal meaning of daigaku nōto is "university notebook."

Despite its name suggesting a university-specific use, daigaku nōto is widely used by many people, regardless of whether they are students or not.

The origin of the daigaku nōto is a notebook made of high-quality Western paper, which was first sold in 1884 in Japan.

This notebook was available in a stationery store near the University of Tokyo.

In those days, it was considered a luxuary item, primarily used by students of the University of Tokyo, which led to the establishment of the name daigaku nōto.
  • in Essay
  • 2 min read

【No. 2312】Baji Tōfū (馬耳東風 - In One Ear and Out the Other)

Feb 19, 2024 19:40
Baji Tōfū

The four-character idiom baji tōfū (馬耳東風) describes a situation where someone ignores opinions, advoce, or critisism of others.

・Ba (馬) means "horse."
・Ji (耳) means "ear."
・Tō (東) means "east."
・Fū (風) means "wind."

Therefore, the literal meaning of baji tōfū (馬耳東風) is "east wind in the horse's ears."

This idiom originates from a poem by the famous Chinese poet Li Bai (李白).

It suggests that even when the pleasant spring wind from the east into the horse's ears, the horse is not touched.
  • in Essay
  • 2 min read

【No. 2311】Tohoho (とほほ - Alas): Part 2

Feb 18, 2024 21:17
Tohoho: Part 2

Yesterday, I introduced one of my favorite phrases, tohoho (とほほ - meaning "Alas").

However, note that tohoho has almost become a dead word, and it is rare to hear someone say that these days.

If you say tohoho unintentionally, others may have an image of you as an elderly person.

Incidentally, this phrase is often used by Maruko (まる子) in the famous Japanese anime Chibi Maruko-chan (ちびまる子ちゃん).

Therefore, despite being an elementary school student, Maruko sometimes looks like a grown-up person.

【No. 2310】Tohoho (とほほ - Alas): Part 1

Feb 17, 2024 23:24
Tohoho: Part 1

I sometimes find myself muttering tohoho (とほほ).

Tohoho is a kind of emotional expression used when feeling sad, ashamed, and pitiful.

This expression originates from tohō (途方), which means "direction" or "means."

The term tohō is often used with the verb kureru (暮れる - "to get dark"), forming the idiom tohō ni kureru (途方に暮れる - "to feel at a loss").

The feeling of being at a loss, as expressed by the idiom tohō ni kureru, is similar to the feeling of saying tohoho.
  • in Essay
  • 3 min read

【No. 2309】Ashi ga Chi ni Tsukanai (足が地につかない - Head in the Clouds)

Feb 16, 2024 12:23
Ashi ga Chi ni Tsukanai

The Japanese idiom ashi ga chi ni tsukanai (足が地につかない) describes a situation where someone is unsettled due to excitement or nervousness.

Ashi (足) means "feet."
Chi (地) means "ground."
Tsuku/tsuka (着く/着か) means "to touch" or "to land."
Nai (ない) is a negative suffix.

Therefore, the literal meaning of this idiom is "one's feet do not touch the ground."

In other words, it implies that one's body is unsettled as if floating, due to excitement or nervousness.

This idiom is also used to describe a situation where someone's thoughts or actions are unsteady.
  • in Diary
  • 2 min read

【No. 2308】Graduation Research Presentation

Feb 15, 2024 22:38
Graduation Research Presentation

Today, the first graduation research presentation since I joined the current university was held.

It was also the accomplishment presentation day for the first batch of students in my laboratory.

Each of them has been dedicatedly engaged in their research for a year and has practiced their presentations well, making it a very successful session.

I am really proud of them.

After the presentation, we celebrated a year of our research activities with a small pizza party.

Since there are more events, such as academic conferences, coming up in the near future, all of us cannot take a rest. However, we have certainly overcome a significant milestone.

【No. 2307】Valentine's Day

Feb 14, 2024 09:30
Valentine's Day

Today is Valentine's Day.

In many countries on this day, there is a tradition for couples to affirm their love for each other by exchanging cards, flowers, and chocolates.

Meanwhile, in Japan, it is widely recognized as a day when women give chocolates to men to express their love and gratitude.

Despite cultural differences, the custom of giving chocolates on Valentine's Day is common in many countries, and huge amounts of chocolates are consumed worldwide on this day.

Following Valentine's Day, many stores tend to reduce the prices of their chocolate to sell out their stock.

For those who love chocolate and eat it regularly, the day after Valentine's Day might be particularly important.
  • in Essay
  • 2 min read

【No. 2306】Tōfu ni Kasugai (豆腐に鎹 - Having No Effect)

Feb 13, 2024 22:09
Tōfu ni Kasugai

The Japanese proverb tōfu ni kasugai (豆腐に鎹) is used to describe the lack of response or ineffectiveness in something.

・Tōfu (豆腐 - tofu) is a soft food made from soybeans.
・Kasugai (鎹 - clamp) is a U-shaped nail used for joining wood.

As you can easily imagine, trying to drive a clamp into soft tofu will result in no response or effect.

Incidentally, I introduced the slang term tōfu mental (豆腐メンタル), which means a soft and delicate mentality like tofu.

Driving a clamp into the tofu mentality might have a significant effect, which leads to the collapse of the mentality.
  • in Essay
  • 2 min read

【No. 2305】Tōfu Mentaru (豆腐メンタル - Tofu Mentality)

Feb 12, 2024 19:00
Tōfu Mentaru

I have a tōfu mentaru (豆腐メンタル).

Tōfu mentaru is a Japanese slang term that describes someone with a weak or fragile mentality.

Tōfu (豆腐 - tofu) is a processed food made from soybeans and is widely consumed, especially in China and Japan.

Japanese tofu is characterized by its extremely soft and smooth texture.

In addition, mentaru (メンタル) refers to "mental" or "mentality," tōfu mental literally means "tofu mentality." In other words, it means a "soft and delicate mentality like tofu."

Conversely, when describing a strong mentality, you can use hagane (鋼 - meaning "steel") and say hagane mentaru (鋼メンタル).
  • in Essay
  • 2 min read

【No. 2304】Kakuritsuki (確率機 - Crane Game with Probability Control): Part 2

Feb 11, 2024 21:36
Kakuritsuki: Part 2

In Japanese kakuritsuki (確率機 - crane game with probability control), players often need to spend about 2,000 to 3,000 yen to make the machine arm stronger, depending on the value of the prize.

Then, once someone wins the prize, the machine arm's strength returns to its initial weaker state.

In Japan, such probability control and machine design are basically legal.

However, depending on the probability setting and the prizes' value, it could potentially be illegal.

Furthermore, in some countries and regions, crane games are regarded as skill-based games, and the use of the such probability control is illegal.

【No. 2303】Kakuritsuki (確率機 - Crane Game with Probability Control): Part 1

Feb 10, 2024 23:50
Kakuritsuki: Part 1

Today, I played various types of crane games.

It was fun, but I struggled with some kakuritsuki (確率機) quite a bit.

In Japan, many crane games are unofficially known as kakuritsuki.

Since kakuritsu (確率) means "probability,' and ki (機) means "machine," the literal meaning of kakuritsuki is "probability machine."

In other words, it refers to crane game machines where the crane arm's grip strength is controlled to become stronger at a certain probability (or after a certain number of attempts).

When the arm's grip is weak, it is extremely difficult to lift and carry the prize, but after spending a certain amount of money, the arm's grip becomes strong enough, making it easier to obtain the prize.