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【No. 1222】Futon (布団 - Japanese Bedding)

Apr 23, 2018 20:18
Yesterday I bought a "futon" (布団).

A "futon" is a kind of bedding made of cotton or feathers and is very common in Japan.

Originally, the kanji of "futon" (布団) was written as "蒲団," and "futon" meant a round rug made by weaving leaves of cattails for Zen sitting meditation.

("蒲" means leaves of cattails and "団" means circle.)

In the Edo period, it began to create larger "futons" made of cloth or cotton, and they have come to be used as not only rugs but also bedding.

Since leaves of cattails were no longer used in that period, the kanji "蒲" was changed to "布," which means "cloth."

Currently, "futon" (布団) has come to mean usually bedding, whereas rugs for sitting have come to be called "zabuton" (座布団) by adding "za" (座 - sitting).
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【No. 1221】Starting My Blog

Apr 22, 2018 15:05
I have written and posted short English texts on a language exchange social networking website called Lang-8 every day for about 1220 days. However, today I cannot connect to the web page. I am not entirely comfortable with such the interruption though I have tried to continue the challenge. Therefore, today I would like to write and post English texts on this blog page. Perhaps native English speakers would not correct these texts, but I have almost no other choice. If Lang-8 doesn't recover or its unstable state continues, I will post English texts/essays on this page in the future.
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【No. 1220】Shinkiro (蜃気楼 - Mirage)

Apr 21, 2018 17:24
When there is a density difference in the atmosphere, light could be significantly refracted.

In such a case, you may see something that doesn't exist, floating buildings, or upside down scenery.

This phenomenon is referred to as "mirage" in English, whereas we call it "shinkiro" (蜃気楼).

"Shin" (蜃) of "shinkiro" means "big clam," "ki" (気) means "breath," and "楼" means "high buildings."

In the past in China, people thought that non-existence high buildings were drawn by a breath of a big clam. Because of this, such a phenomenon has been called "shinkiro."
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【No. 1219】Gachōn (がちょーん) by Amazon Echo

Apr 20, 2018 12:44
Gachōn

Yesterday, I bought an Amazon Echo.

When I said "Arekusa, nandemo-nai" (アレクサ、何でもない - Alexa, never mind), she said "gachōn" (がちょーん) to me.

"Gachōn" (がちょーん) is a gag by a Japanese comedian "Tani Kei," and it is used when feeling cornered, but the sound itself has no meaning.

This gag was widely prevalent about 50 years ago in Japan.

Incidentally, when I said "gachōn" to Alexa, she said other Tani Kei's gags, such as "gachōn, gachon, gachon, gachōn" or "gachōn, birōn, muhyōn."

It was a little fun.
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【No. 1218】Tsuratan (つらたん - Painful)

Apr 19, 2018 23:09
Tsuratan

I would like to say "tsuratan" (つらたん) now.

"Tsuratan" is an Internet slang term used by mainly young people, and it represents a bad/painful feeling.

The "tsura" (つら) of "tsuratan" comes from the Japanese verb "tsurai" (辛い), which means "painful" or "tough," but the "tan" (たん) has no meaning.

It is said that young people added "tan" just because it sounds cute.

This term ranked as the first on "Gyaru Ryukogo Taisho" (ギャル流行語大賞 - Girls' Keywords-of-the-Year contest) in 2012. However, I'm not sure how often it is used among young people currently.
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【No. 1217】Medo (目処 - Vision)

Apr 18, 2018 19:12
Medo

When expressing a goal or a vision of something, we say "medo" (目処) in Japanese.

It is thought that "medo" comes from a kind of plants "medo-hagi" (メドハギ - Lespedeza cuneata).

In fortune-telling derived from China, diviners use a bunch of thin wooden rod or sticks (which is called "I Ching stick"). In the past, stems of "medo-hagi" (Lespedeza cuneata) were used in the fortune-telling.

Because of this, people call a bunch of the stems "medo," and the fortune-telling itself was also called "medo."

Since fortune-telling estimate the future and gave people guidance, this word has come to have the current meaning.

For example, you can say "Shigoto ni medo ga tatta" (仕事に目処が立った - I can see the goal of my work).
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【No. 1216】Oriitte (折り入って - Earnestly)

Apr 17, 2018 10:21
Oriitte

Today I would like to talk about the Japanese term "oriitte" (折り入って) that I will use it later.

"Oriitte" is used as an adverb, and it represents that you ask a favor or have a consultation with someone in a serious manner.

This term was derived from the verb "oriiru" (折り入る), which means to do something with one's whole heart.
(Note that "oriiru" is no longer used now.)

For example, you can use it as the followings:
"Oriitte onegai ga arimasu" (折り入ってお願いがあります - I have a special favor to ask of you).
"Oriitte gosoudan ga arimasu" (折り入ってご相談があります - I'd like to have a private word with you).

We don't say this word frequently, but I think that it is one of beautiful tongues in Japanese.
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【No. 1215】Wasureta (忘れた - I Forgot)

Apr 16, 2018 10:36
Wasureta

I decided on today's topic ahead of time, but I completely forgot what I was going to write.

Instead, I would like to talk about the kanji "忘" of "wasureru" (忘れる), which means to forget something.
(Note that "忘" is read as "bou" in the Chinese reading, whereas it is read as "wasu-reru" in the Japanese reading.)

The kanji "忘" can be divided into two different kanji: "亡" and "心."

"亡" comes from a hieroglyphic that represents "a dead body whose limbs are bent," and it means that something is lost or someone dies.

"心" comes from a hieroglyphic that represents "heart," and it means consciousness, mind, true feelings, etc.

That is to say, the combination "忘" means that one's memory is lost from the mind.
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【No. 1214】Merihari (メリハリ - Changing One's Pace)

Apr 15, 2018 18:06
Merihari

I think that "merihari" (メリハリ) is important to bring a good result.

"Merikai" means to loose and stretch your act or voice.

Originally, this term was called "merikari" (メリカリ).

In Japanese music, "meri" (メリ) meant low notes and "kari" (カリ) meant high notes.
(These terms are still used in some traditional Japanese musical instruments.)

That is to say, the literal meaning of "merikari" is that the sounds have both low and high notes.

Later, this term has come to be used for your work or act in addition to sounds.
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【No. 1213】Daishiteru (だいしてる - I Love You)

Apr 14, 2018 13:16
Daishiteru

I think that if you are learning Japanese, you would know the meanings of Japanese phrases, "daisuki" (大好き) and "aishiteru" (愛してる).

"Daisuki" means "I like you very much," and "aishiteru" means "I love you."

Today, I learned that recent young women use a coined word "daishiteru" (だいしてる), which is short for "daisuki, aishiteru."

In fact, "daishiteru" ranked as the number 3 on "Gyaru Ryukogo Taisho" (ギャル流行語大賞 - Girls' Keywords-of-the-Year contest) in 2017.

However, note that since "dai" (だい/大) is sometimes used as a metaphor for "stool," some people might regard "daishiteru" as "I'm stooling."
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【No. 1212】Chiku Chiku (ちくちく - Prickling)

Apr 13, 2018 12:51
Chiku Chiku

I am now feeling "chiku chiku" (ちくちく) at my throat.

In other word, "nodo ga itai" (喉が痛い - My throat hurts.)

"Chiku chiku" is a kind of onomatopoeia, and it represents to stick a needle repeatedly.

For example, you can say "me ga chiku chiku suru" (目がちくちくする - I feel my eyes prickle.)

In most cases, this term is used when you feel such pinprick-like pain at a part of your body or your heart.

Also, since it can represent mental pain, you can say it to mean that someone says ironies or sarcasms repeatedly.
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【No. 1211】Ippai Ippai (いっぱいいっぱい - Swamped)

Apr 12, 2018 12:09
Ippai Ippai

I am now falling into a state called "ippai ippai" (いっぱいいっぱい).

"Ippai ippai" represents a state that there is no room or leeway.

For example, you can say "Shigoto ga ōsugite ippai ippai da" (仕事が多すぎていっぱいいっぱいだ - I have no time because of too much work).

"Ippai" comes from "ichihai" (一杯), where "ichi" (一) means "one" and "杯" means "cup," so the combination means "a cup of a drink or something."

Besides, when the term "ippai" is used as an adverb, it means that a drink or something is filled in a cup, or there a lot of something.

By repeating this term as "ippai ippai," it has come to mean that there is no room mentally.
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【No. 1210】Sakura (サクラ - Decoy)

Apr 11, 2018 14:19
Sakura

The season of "sakura" (桜 - cherry blossom) is gradually leaving.

Cherry blossoms are beautiful, but the word "sakura" is sometimes used as a slang term with a bad meaning.

It means a person who slips into lurks in customers/audiences, and praises an item or makes the atmosphere of the venue.

In the Edo period, there were people who shout at a big scene of Kabuki (traditional Japanese drama) to boost the performance -- they were able to see the Kabuki performance without a fee in return for the role.

Such people were called "sakura" (cherry blossom), because the momentary boost evoked cherry trees that bloom only for a short period, and people could see cherry blossoms for free.

Later, "sakura" has come to be used to mean "confederate" and "decoy."
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【No. 1209】Japanese Convenience Stores: Part 2

Apr 10, 2018 14:23
Japanese Convenience Stores: Part 2

Today, I will introduce you to the Japanese convenience stores continuing from yesterday's post.

【Copy and Print】
A multi-function copy machine is installed in most convenience stores, and you can copy documents, convert them to data, print photos, etc.

【Delivery Services】
At many convenience stores, you can send luggage and receive items that you purchased on the Internet shopping sites.

【Government Services】
At some convenience stores, you can receive various certificates, such as resident cards, seal registration certificates, family register certificates, etc.

Incidentally, there are about 57000 convenience stores in Japan, and it seems a large number from a world perspective.
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【No. 1208】Japanese Convenience Stores: Part 1

Apr 9, 2018 10:23
Japanese Convenience Stores: Part 1

Two days ago, I talked about a convenience store.

Today I'd like to introduce you to several services that are offered by Japanese convenience stores.

I don't know, but these services might be offered in convenience stores in other countries as well.

【ATM】
Automatic teller machines (ATMs) are installed in most convenience stores, and you can place and withdraw cash any time.

【Utilities Payments】
In most convenience stores, you can pay bills of utilities, such as water, sewer, electricity, etc.

【Ticket Purchases】
In most convenience stores, you can reserve and purchase tickets for buses, airplanes, concerts, sports events, etc.

To be continued.
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【No. 1207】Oyadama (親玉 - Godfather)

Apr 8, 2018 09:07
Oyadama

I sometimes use the Japanese word "oyadama" (親玉).

"Oyadama" means a key person or leader in organizations.

"Oya" (親) means "parent" and "dama/tama" (玉) means "ball," so the literal meaning of "oyadama" is "parent ball."

Originally, this word was used to mean a big ball set in the center of "juzu" (数珠).

"Juzu" is a tool that is made by connecting a large ball (oyadama) and many small balls in a circle, and it is used when praying in Buddhism.

Since the small balls are arranged around the big ball, "oyadama" has come to mean a centerpiece, key person or leader.

Note that this word is often used in a bad sense, such as "aku no oyadama" (悪の親玉 - master of evil), though I don't know the reason.
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【No. 1206】7-Eleven

Apr 7, 2018 17:07
7-Eleven

A few days ago, a 7-ELEVEn store was opened in the campus of my university.

I think that my life will be comfortable.

7-Eleven was derived from an ice house storefront in Dallas, Texas in 1927.

At that time, since refrigerators were not standard, ice was used to preserve food.

One day, an employee named "Jefferson Green," who worked at the ice store, started selling milk, bread, and eggs in addition to ice (the stores were named "Tote'm Stores").

This strategy was successful, and they became "convenience stores" literally.

In 1946, the name of "Tote'm Stores" changed to "7-Eleven" to indicate that the store open from 7 am to 11 pm every day, then 7-Eleven has spread rapidly all over the world.
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【No. 1205】Moto mo Ko mo nai (元も子もない - Losing Everything/Makes No Sense)

Apr 6, 2018 19:19
When you lose everything or an original purpose, we express the situation using the Japanese phrase 元も子もない (moto mo ko mo nai).

元 (moto) means 元金 (gankin - "principal") and 子 (ko) means 利子 (rishi - "interest").

Also, the expression AもBもない (A mo B mo nai) means "There is neither A nor B."

That is to say, the literal meaning of "moto mo ko mo nai" is "There are neither principals nor interests."

Originally, this phrase meant a situation where you not only couldn't earn interests but also lose your principal as a result of an investment.

This usage was extended, and it has come to be used when expressing that you lose the original significance or purpose.
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【No. 1204】Pollen in 2018

Apr 5, 2018 10:59
Recently, I was surprised to watch news.

Eventually the peak of cedar pollen has passed, but cypress pollen will likely hit its peak soon.

Unfortunately, the amount of the cypress pollen this year seems 428 times more than the amount of last year.

Furthermore, this number is in Hachioji city, Tokyo, where I am living.

It is said that the increase in pollen level is due to the rapid temperature rise at the end of March 2018.

I think that the cause of my itchy eyes is this cypress pollen.

It is very hard for me to spend this pollen season.
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【No. 1203】Kindergarten Children in Japan

Apr 4, 2018 09:27
Today I got on a crowded train for my work for the first time in a long time.

Since it was so crowded as expected, I'm tired.

Meanwhile, I found a girl wearing a uniform of kindergarten in the train -- she looked like 4 to 5 years old.

A woman in a suit was standing behind the girl, so I thought that they were a parent and child, but it was wrong.

Arriving at a station, the girl got off the train alone and dashed for the ticket gate.

Although she is a kindergarten child, she commutes alone by train.

It is said that Japan is safe, but I don't want my daughter to commute alone (I am a single though).