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【No. 2142】Sonae Areba Urei Nashi (備えあれば憂いなし - Better Safe than Sorry)

Sep 2, 2023 22:14
Sonae Areba Urei Nashi

If you are well-prepared in advance, you have nothing to worry about.

The proverb, sonae areba urei nashi (備えあれば憂いなし), expresses this concept.

Sonae (備え) means "prepare," areba (あれば) means "if," urei (憂い) means "worry," and nashi (なし) means "no/nothing," making literal meaning of this proverb "if you are prepared, you will have no worries."

Today, I conducted a trial lesson for high school students and was very worried because I was not prepared enough.

As expected, I could not handle some troubles well, and the lesson ended with a sad atmosphere.
  • in Diary
  • 3 min read

【No. 2141】This Is Us

Sep 1, 2023 20:58
This Is Us

Today, I turned 36 years old.

There is an American drama series that I have been planning to watch for several years when I turn 36.

It is "This Is Us."

I have no idea about the drama for now, but the Japanese version has a subtitle, '36-sai, korekara' (36歳、これから - meaning "36 years old, from now on").

I am sure this is a human drama where the main character, who turned 36, starts a new chapter of his life.

I look forward to watching it (please do not spoil it).
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【No. 2140】Ore de Nakya Minogashi Chau Ne (オレでなきゃ見逃しちゃうね - Anyone Else would have Missed It)

Aug 31, 2023 11:01
Ore de Nakya Minogashi Chau Ne

The slang phrase, ore de nakya minogashi chau ne (オレでなきゃ見逃しちゃうね), is sometimes seen on the Internet.

This phrase originates from the famous Japanese manga "HUNTER×HUNTER," and the exact line is osoroshiku hayai shutō, ore de nakya minogashi chau ne (おそろしく速い手刀　オレでなきゃ見逃しちゃうね).

The English version is almost a direct translation: "The swiftest chop. Anyone else would have missed it."

In other words, it is a self-praising phrase that means, "I am amazing for noticing something that ordinary people would miss," and you can use this in various situations by changing the shuto (手刀 - meaning "chop") part.

If you notice something moving or changing very quickly, consider using this phrase.

Incidentally, the character who said this line does not have a name in the manga and is familiar to Internet users as danchō no shutō wo minogasa nakatta hito (団長の手刀を見逃さなかった人 - meaning "the person who did not miss the gang leader's chop.")
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  • 3 min read

【No. 2139】Hana wa Oritashi Kozue wa Takashi (花は折りたし梢は高し - So Near and yet So Far)

Aug 30, 2023 13:04
Hana wa Oritashi Kozue wa Takashi

The Japanese phrase, hana wa oritashi kozue wa takashi (花は折りたし梢は高し), can describe a situation where you want something but have no way to get it or things are not going your way.

Since hana (花) means "flower," ori/oru (折り/折る) means "to break," tashi/tai (たし/たい) means "want," kozue (梢) means "treetop," and takashi/takai (高し/高い) means "high," the literal meaning of this phrase is "want to break (a branch with) a flower, but the treetop is high."

It means you want to break and pick the branch with a flower, but the treetop is too high to reach.

This phrase carries a similar meaning to takane no hana (高嶺の花 - meaning "out of one's league"), which was introduced yesterday.
  • in Essay
  • 3 min read

【No. 2138】Takane no Hana (高嶺の花 - Out of One's League)

Aug 29, 2023 09:58
Takane no Hana

An attractive person (especially a woman) whom one cannot reach and can only admire from afar is called takane no hana (高嶺の花) in Japanese.

Since taka/takai (高/高い) means "high," ne (嶺) means "peak," and hana (花) means "flower," the literal meaning of takane no hana is "a flower on a high peak."

Even if a beautiful flower blooming on a high peak can be admired from afar, it is not easy to go and pick it.

In other words, this idiom is a metaphor for a woman whose character and appearance are too outstanding to be approachable, just like a flower on a high peak that is difficult to reach.
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  • 2 min read

【No. 2137】Eguchi (エグち - Outstanding)

Aug 28, 2023 12:45
Eguchi

The young people's term, eguchi (エグち), is sometimes used when something is outstanding, especially when praising it.

Eguchi is short for the phrase egusa no reberu ga chigau (えぐさのレベルが違う).

Egusa/egui (えぐさ/えぐい) is used to describe a taste that strongly stimulates the throat, and it is also used to describe something outstanding/awesome, mainly among young people.

In addition, reberu (レベル) means "level," and chigau (違う) means "different," so this phrase literally means "something has a different level of awesomeness."

Note that when writing it all in katakana as エグチ, it might become a MacDonald's menu item, eguchi (エグチ - short for "egg cheeseburger").
  • in Essay
  • 2 min read

【No. 2136】Me no Hoyō (目の保養 - Feasting to One's Eyes)

Aug 27, 2023 19:30
Me no Hoyō

The concept of enjoying looking at beautiful or pretty things can be described with the Japanese phrase, me no hoyō (目の保養).

Since me (目) means "eye," and hoyō (保養) means "refreshment," the literal meaning of me no hoyō is "refreshment for the eyes."

Originally, hoyō refers to the act of resting and maintaining one's body and mind in a healthy state.

This expression was coined from the fact that looking at beautiful or pretty things can be considered a way to rest one's eyes and keep them healthy.
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  • 2 min read

【No. 2135】Kyūso Neko wo Kamu (窮鼠猫を噛む - A Cornered Mouse Bites a Cat)

Aug 26, 2023 20:31
Kyūso Neko wo Kamu

When the weak are pushed into a desperate situation, they may fight back against the strong with all their might.

The proverb kyūso neko wo kamu (窮鼠猫を噛む) describes such a situation.

Since kyūso (窮鼠) means "cornered mouse," neko (猫) means "cat," and kamu (噛む) means "to bite," the literal meaning of this proverb is "a cornered mouse bites a cat."

Even when there is a difference in strength, as between a cat and a mouse, the mouse might defeat the cat if it becomes desperate in a critical situation.

In other words, this proverb contains two lessons: "Do not give up even if your opponent is strong" and "Do not guard down even if your opponent is weak."
  • in Essay
  • 2 min read

【No. 2134】Spoonerism: Part 2

Aug 25, 2023 17:04
Spoonerism: Part 2

One of my favorite spoonerisms in Japanese is gotsu gotsu no ahan (ゴツゴツのアハン).

The original phrase is atsu atsu no gohan (アツアツのごはん - meaning "hot rice"). It becomes gotsu gotsu no ahan by switching a (ア) and go (ご).

Gotsu gotsu (ゴツゴツ) is an onomatopoeic word that describes something rugged or someone with a rough appearance or character.

In addition, ahan (アハン) has the image of a line uttered by a sexy woman.

The combination of these two incongruous terms into gotsu gotsu no ahan results in a phrase with a humorous and unintelligible sound.
  • in Essay
  • 2 min read

【No. 2133】Spoonerism: Part 1

Aug 24, 2023 20:02
Spoonerism: Part 1

Have you ever heard of "spoonerism?"

Spoonerism is a type of wordplay or misspoken word in which several sounds are switched between two words in a sentence. This term is named after the Reverend William Archibald Spooner of England, famous for his frequent slips of the tongue.

For example, "A lack of pies" instead of "A pack of lies" or "bunny phone" instead of "funny bone."

There are various spoonerisms in Japanese as well, such as atu wa natsui (あつはなつい - meaning something like "hot is summer") instead of natsu wa atsui (夏は暑い - meaning "Summer is hot").
  • in Essay
  • 2 min read

【No. 2132】Hi wo Miru yori mo Akiraka (火を見るよりも明らか - Completely Obvious)

Aug 23, 2023 19:31
Hi wo Miru yori mo Akiraka

Things that are completely obvious and beyond doubt are sometimes described as hi wo miru yori mo akiraka (火を見るよりも明らか) in Japanese.

Since hi (火) means "fire," miru (見る) means "to see," yori (より) means "more than," and akiraka (明らか) means "clear," the literal meaning of this phrase is "(something is) clearer than seeing fire."

If you see a burning fire, anyone can recognize it as "fire."

This expression means that something is clearer than that.

However, please note that this is often used in a negative context.
  • in Essay
  • 2 min read

【No. 2131】Expiration Date for Eggs

Aug 22, 2023 15:32
Expiration Date for Eggs

What would you do if you found expired eggs in the refrigerator?

In Japan, the typical expiration date for eggs, indicating the period during which they can be eaten raw, is set at about two weeks. However, if properly stored in the refrigerator, they can be eaten raw for about two months.

Interestingly, "Salmonella," contained in eggs and cited as the cause of food poisoning, hardly multiplies at temperatures below 10℃.

Nevertheless, it might multiply due to temperature changes and vibration by opening and closing the refrigerator, so caution is needed when storing eggs for long periods.

In addition, Salmonella is known to perish with heat.

Even if the expiration date has exceeded by several months, eggs that have been properly stored in the refrigerator without cracks can still be eaten by heating them.

【No. 2129】My Boom (マイブーム - My Latest Crazy)

Aug 21, 2023 02:27
My Boom

Do you have something that is currently trending for you personally?

That kind of trend is called my boom (マイブーム) in Japanese.

My boom is a Japanese-English expression combining "my" and "boom." While this expression is commonly used in Japan, native English speakers might not understand its meaning.

It can be translated into English as "my latest crazy" or "my current obsession," but these expressions may be a bit stronger compared to the nuance of the Japanese my boom.

Incidentally, my my boom is taking an open-air bath while gazing at the stars.

Last night was clear, and the lovely Delphinus constellation was distinctly visible.
  • in Essay
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【No. 2130】Oku no Te (奥の手 - Last Resort)

Aug 21, 2023 20:01
Oku no Te

If you have a last resort that you do not easily show or teach others, it is called oku no te (奥の手) in Japanese.

Since oku (奥) means "inner," and te (手) means "hand," the literal meaning of oku no te is "inner hand."

Originally, oku meant "left," and oku no te meant "left hand."

In the past, Japanese people considered the left hand sacred and noble in Japan, and from this association, it came to convey the current meaning of "last resort" or "trump."

Oku no te is sometimes expressed as ōgi (奥義) or gokui (極意).
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【No. 2128】Yoin ni Hitaru (余韻に浸る - Basking in the Afterglow)

Aug 19, 2023 18:21
Yoin ni Hitaru

I recently finished a well-known epic video game.

I felt a great sense of accomplishment, then spent some time enjoying the afterglow while reflecting on the story.

Spending time like this is called yoin ni hitaru (余韻に浸る) in Japanese.

Since yoin (余韻) means "lingering sound," and hitaru (浸る) means "to bask," the literal meaning of this idiom is "to bask in the lingering sound."

While yoin ni hitaru can be used to mean this literally, it is often used metaphorically to mean "to bask in the afterglow" or "to savor the lingering emotions."
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【No. 2127】Minoru hodo Kōbe wo Tareru Inaho kana (実るほど頭を垂れる稲穂かな - The Boughs That Bear most Hang Lowest)

Aug 18, 2023 16:00
Minoru hodo Kōbe wo Tareru Inaho kana

The more one grows in learning and skill, the more one becomes humble.

The Japanese proverb, minoru hodo kōbe wo tareru inaho kana (実るほど頭を垂れる稲穂かな), express this thought.

Since minoru (実る) means "to grow," hodo (ほど) means "the more," kōbe (頭) means "head," tareru (垂れる) means "to lower," and inaho (稲穂) means "ear of rice," the literal meaning of this proverb is "the more ears of rice grow, the more their heads lower."

In other words, this proverb links a person becoming more humble as they grow to the ear of rice bowing lower with the weight as they grow.
  • in Essay
  • 2 min read

【No. 2126】Se-no (せーの - One, Two, Three)

Aug 17, 2023 11:56
Se-no

In Japan, when several people are lifting something heavy or taking the same action together, they often say 'se-no!' (せーの！).

Similarly, isse-no-se (いっせーのーせ) and isse-no-de (いっせーのーで) are often used (where issei (一斉) means "all together"), and se-no is believed to be short for these calls.

Other common calls when doing something together include ichi ni no san (いちにのさん - meaning "one, two, and three").

Also in English, the call "one, two, three" (or "three, two, one") is a common way to synchronize actions.

Othe English common calls include "ready, set, go" and "here we go."
  • in Essay
  • 2 min read

【No. 2125】HikiNEET (ヒキニート - Social Withdrawal and NEET)

Aug 16, 2023 17:49
HikiNEET

Yesterday, I introduced the term hikikomori (引きこもり), which means people who withdraw into their homes or rooms and rarely go outside.

In addition to being a hikikomori, if the one is also a "NEET," these terms can be combined as hikiNEET (ヒキニート).

NEET is an acronym for "Not in Education, Employment, or Training" and refers to people who are neither students nor employed and are not receiving vocational training.

Hikikomori and NEET are sometimes confused because of their lack of independence, but their definitions are distinctly different.

【No. 2124】Hikikomori (引きこもり - Social Withdrawal)

Aug 15, 2023 17:46
Hikikomori

People who withdraw into their homes or rooms and rarely go outside are called hikikomori (引きこもり) in Japanese.

The term hikikomori is derived from hiki (引き - meaning "withdrawal") and komori (こもり - meaning "seclusion").

Japan has a large number of hikikomori, and according to a 2023 survey by the Cabinet Office, it is estimated that about 1.46 million people aged 15-64 (approximately 2% of the population) are in a state of a long-term hikikomori.

I am often in a state of a short-term hikikomori on my days off.

Lately, even in a video game (The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom), I have been withdrawing into the underground and avoiding coming out. In a way, I am a hikikomori in a double sense.
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  • 2 min read

【No. 2123】Gei wa Mi wo Tasukeru (芸は身を助ける - Art Brings Bread)

Aug 14, 2023 22:14
Gei wa Mi wo Tasukeru

Do you have a special skill that you can take pride in?

Such a skill can help you when you least expect it sometimes.

The Japanese proverb, gei wa mi wo tasukeru (芸は身を助ける), reflects this fact.

Since gei (芸) means "(artistic) skill," mi (身) means "body," and tasukeru (助ける) means "to help," gei wa mi wo tasukeru literally means "Your skill helps you."

Instead of tasukeru, its literal form, tasuku (助く), can also be used, as in gei wa mi wo tasuku (芸は身を助く).

Hone your special skills for the future.