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【No. 2182】Kizi mo Nakazu wa Utaremai (雉も鳴かずば撃たれまい - Silence Keeps Your Safe)

Oct 12, 2023 18:30
Kizi mo Nakazu wa Utaremai

Have you ever faced misfortune because you said something unnecessary?

If you find yourself in such a situation, remember the proverb, kizi mo nakazu wa utaremai (雉も鳴かずば撃たれまい).

Kizi (雉) means "pheasant," naka/naku (鳴か/鳴く) means "to cry," zu (ず) is a negative suffix, utare/utareru (撃たれ/撃たれる) means "to be shot," and mai (まい) indicates "naturally" or "appropriately." Therefore, the literal meaning of this proverb is "if a pheasant does not cry, it will naturally not be shot."

In other words, when a pheasant cries, hunters will notice it, leading it to be shot.

【No. 2181】Dokagui Kizetsu-bu (ドカ食い気絶部 - Overating Fainting Club)

Oct 11, 2023 18:53
Dokagui Kizetsu-bu

Sometimes, I am about to become a member of the dangerous dokagui kizetsu-bu (ドカ食い気絶部).

Since doka (ドカ) is a prefix representing a great degree of something, and gui/kui (食い) means "to eat," dokagui (ドカ食い) means "to eat excessively" or "to overeat."

In addition, kizetsu (気絶) means "fainting," and bu (部) means "club," making the literal meaning of dokagui kizetsu-bu "overeating fainting club."

When you overeat high-calorie and carbohydrate-based foods such as McDonald's humbergers, your bloof sugar level rises rapidly, making you sleepy.

Such people who consume a large amount of carbohydrates and then sleep as if they were fainting are colloquially referred to as members of dokagui kizetsu-bu.

This is a dangerous and life-threatening club, so please do not join dokagui kizetsu-bu.
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【No. 2180】Nekura (根暗 - Gloomy Personality): Part 2

Oct 10, 2023 19:47
Nekura: Part 2

In the 1980s, as a synonym for nekura (根暗 - meaning "gloomy personality"), the term neaka (根明), which means "cheeful personality," also became popular.

However, while nekura continues to be used today, neaka is rarely used.

There is a slang term similar to nekura, called in-kya (陰キャ), which is short for inki na kyarakutā (陰気なキャラクター - meaning "gloomy character").

Its antonym is yō-kya (陽キャ), short for yōki na kyarakutā (陽気なキャラクター meaning "cheeful character"), and yō-kya is more commonly used compared to neaka.

As you can guess, since nekura and in-kya are insulting expressions, you should be careful when using them toward others.
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【No. 2179】Nekura (根暗 - Gloomy Personality): Part 1

Oct 9, 2023 07:19
Nekura: Part 1

People sometimes use the term nekura (根暗) to describe someone with a fundamentally dark personality.

Nekura is short for shōne ga kurai (性根が暗い - meaning "one's personality is dark") and was coined by the manga artist Jun Ishikawa.

In the 1980s, the famous TV entertainer Tamori became fond of this term and used it in a TV program, which led to its popularization.

Originally, nekura means a personality that appears cheerful on the surface but is fundamentally dark. However, today, it is often used to describe a dark personality both on the surface and fundamentally.

【No. 2178】Yūyū Jiteki (悠々自適 - Leisurely)

Oct 8, 2023 18:34
Yūyū Jiteki

Someday, I would like to live a life that is described as yūyū jiteki (悠々自適).

Yūyū jiteki is a four-character idiom that means to live a free and quiet life away from the troubles of the world.

Yūyū (悠々) describes a state of being relaxed and calm.

In addition, jiteki (自適) means to enjoy things as one's heart desires.

A life represented by either yūyū or jiteki is wonderful, and combining them makes it even more awesome.

Unfortunately, I might be leading a life far from both yūyū and jiteki today.
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【No. 2177】Shamisen wo Hiku (三味線を弾く - Making Something Up)

Oct 7, 2023 21:09
Shamisen wo Hiku

The Japanese idiom shamisen wo hiku (三味線を弾く) is sometimes used to describe the act of going along with what someone says or making something up.

Since shamisen (三味線) is one of the traditional Japanese stringed instruments, and hiku (弾く) means "to play," the literal meaning of shamisen wo hiku is "to play the shamisen."

The shamisen is known as an instrument that can be played extemporaneously, while matching the tune to various songs ans music.

This property of the shamisen is believed to be connected to the metaphorical meaning of the idiom shamisen wo hiku.
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【No. 2176】Ryūtō Dabi (竜頭蛇尾 - Anticlimax)

Oct 6, 2023 21:34
Ryūtō Dabi

A situation where one starts off impressively but loses momentum at the end can be expressed with the four-character idiom, ryūtō dabi (竜頭蛇尾).

Ryū (竜) means "dragon," tō (頭) means "head," da (蛇) means "snake," and bi (尾) means "tail," making literal meaning of this idiom "dragon head, snake tail."

In other words, it means that while the beginning (head) is magnificent like a dragon, the end (tail) is thin and weak like a snake.

It is believed that this four-character idiom originated in an ancient Chinese Buddhist Scriptures.

Incidentally, you can use ko (虎 - meaning "tiger") instead of ryū (竜) and say kotō dabi (虎頭蛇尾), which retains the same meaning as ryūto dabi.
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【No. 2175】Kangamiru (鑑みる - Reflecting On)

Oct 5, 2023 10:51
Kangamiru

To consider something with reference to examples is called kangamiru (鑑みる) in Japanese.

Kangamiru was created by verbalizing the word kagami (鏡) or kagami (鑑), which means "mirror."

Originally, the kanji characters 鏡 and 鑑 shared the same meaning. However, today, 鏡 is often used to mean "a tool that reflects objects with light (i.e. a mirror)," while 鑑 is used to mean "reference" or "model."

Incidentally, people sometimes debate whether the appropriate particle to use before kangamiru is ni (に) or wo (を).

Traditionally, ni has been considered appropriate, but the use of wo has been increased, and both are becoming accepted.
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【No. 2174】Gaba Eimu (ガバエイム - Unsteady Aim)

Oct 4, 2023 20:14
Gaba Eimu

I sometimes get into a state called gaba eimu (ガバエイム).

Gaba eimu is a slang term used in FPS (First-Person Shooter) or TPS (Third-Person Shooter) to describe situations where you cannot hit the opponent with bullets at all.

Gaba (ガバ) is short for the onomatopoeic word gaba gaba (ガバガバ), describing that something is large and loose.

In addition, eimu (エイム) refers to "aim," which implies the ability to target accurately.

In other words, gaba eimu means "one's aim is loose and unsteady," indicating the above situations.
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【No. 2173】Zutsū no Tane (頭痛の種 - Headache)

Oct 3, 2023 21:06
Zutsū no Tane

The source of worries or cause of concerns is sometimes referred to as nayami no tane (悩みの種) in Japanese.

Since zutsū (頭痛) means "headache," and tane (種) means "seed,' the literal meaning of zutsū no tane is "seed of headache."

In this context, "headache" is used as a metaphor for "worry" or "concern."

In addition, tane also has the meaning of "cause of things," so zutsū no tane can be translated as "cause of worries or concerns."

If you have some zutsū no tane, it is best to address and remove them before the "seeds" sprout.
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【No. 2172】Kuro Rekishi (黒歴史 - Dark History): Part 2

Oct 2, 2023 20:59
Kuro Rekishi: Part 2

Originally, kuro rekishi was used in the anime "Turn A Gundam" to describe "the sealed war history from ancient times," and today, it has become a slang term to mean "the past you wish to forget."

Many people might have their own kuro rekishi from their junior high school days.

In fact, the embarrassing past I mentioned in yesterday's post happened when I was in my second year of junior high school.

It is believed that during the second year of junior high school, which is a period of adolescence, students tend to exhibit pretentious behavior and become self-conscious.

For this reason, people in such a state are sometimes called chū-ni byō (中二病), the literal meaning of which is "second year of junior high school syndrome."

【No. 2171】Kuro Rekishi (黒歴史 - Dark History): Part 1

Oct 1, 2023 11:58
Kuro Rekishi: Part 1

The "RPG Maker" series that allow you to create RPGs have been on a massive sale on Steam, so I bought the whole set.

Then, I suddenly remembered games I made with "RPG Maker" over 20 years ago and found my ancient website where I had introduced the games.

I was not only surprised that the website was still accessible, but I was also chilled by its embarrassing content.

To describe such one's embarrassing past that they wish to erase, you can use the slang term, kuro rekishi (黒歴史).

Since kuro (黒) means "dark," rekishi (歴史) means "history," the literal meaning of kuro rekishi is "dark history."
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【No. 2170】Iwazu Mogana (言わずもがな - Needless to Say)

Sep 30, 2023 14:10
Iwazu Mogana

When describing a situation where "something should not be said" or "something is needless to say," you can use the Japanese phrase, iwazu mogana (言わずもがな).

Since iwa/iu (言う) means "to say," zu (ず) is a negative suffix, and mogana (もがな) is a suffix expressing a wish, the literal meaning of iwazu mogana is "I wish it would not be said."

This expression, especially the mogana part, is old-fashioned and may not be commonly used by young people.

I personally like the traditional Japanese sounds that iwazu mogana has, so I would like to use it well.
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【No. 2169】Shicchaka Mecchaka (しっちゃかめっちゃか - Total Mess)

Sep 29, 2023 10:24
Shicchaka Mecchaka

I am currently in a state called shicchaka mecchaka (しっちゃかめっちゃか).

Shicchaka mecchaka is an expression that describes a confusion or chaos situation.

There are various theories about its etymology, but it is unclear exactly where it came from.

Personally, I believe that it might have derived from other terms like mecha kucha (めちゃくちゃ) or gucha gucha (ぐちゃぐちゃ), both of which describe a messy situation.

The etymology of mecha kucha is also unclear.

On the other hand, gucha gucha is an onomatopoeic word.

It could be that both shicchaka mecchaka and mecha kucha are onomatopoeic too.
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【No. 2168】Munatsuki Hacchō (胸突き八丁 - Make-or-Break Period)

Sep 28, 2023 22:38
Munatsuki Hacchō

The Japanese expression, munatsuki hacchō (胸突き八丁), can describe the most challenging period, in the process of accomplishing something.

Muna/mune (胸) means "chest," tsuki (突き) means "to thrust," and munatsuki (胸突き) refers to a slope that is so steep that one feels something thrusts their chest and cannot breathe.

In addition, ha/hachi (八) means "eight," chō (丁) refers to a unit of distance, and hacchō (八丁) is approximately 820 meters. However, in this context, it specifically refers to the remaining 820 meters to the summit of Mount Fuji.

This expression came from the fact that Mount Fuji has a steep path just before the summit, and people often feel the most pain there.
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【No. 2167】Kujū wo Nameru (苦汁を嘗める - Having a Bitter Experience)

Sep 27, 2023 08:28
Kujū wo Nameru

To have bitter experiences or unpleasant feelings can be described as kujū wo nameru (苦汁を嘗める) in Japanese.

Since ku (苦) means "bitter," jū (汁) means "juice," and nameru (嘗める) means "to lick," the literal meaning of kujū wo nameru is "to lick the bitter juice."

Licking something bitter is typically an unpleasant experience, which is why this idiom has its current meaning.

You can also use shinsan (辛酸 - meaning "hardship") instead of kujū (苦汁 - meaning "bitter juice") and say shinsan wo nameru (辛酸を嘗める), which holds a very similar meaning to kujū wo nameru.
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【No. 2166】Ha ni Kinu Kise nu (歯に衣着せぬ - Outspoken)

Sep 26, 2023 21:42
Ha ni Kinu Kise nu

The concept of speaking one's thoughts frankly without indirect expressions can be described as ha ni kinu kise nu (歯に衣着せぬ) in Japanese.

Since ha (歯) means "tooth," kinu (衣) means "clothes," kise/kiseru (着せ/着せる) means "to put on," and nu (ぬ) is a negative suffix, the literal meaning of this expression is "not to put clothes on one's teeth."

While you can't literally put clothes on your teeth, in this context, kinu is used as a metaphor for something that hides or adorns your teeth.

In other words, it implies that the teeth (and even the mouth) that are not hidden and adorned can speak frankly without any pretense.
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【No. 2165】Kajiba no Bakajikara (火事場の馬鹿力 - Fight-or-Flight Response)

Sep 25, 2023 09:59
Kajiba no Bakajikara

Have you ever shown unexpected power when faced with a critical situation?

Such power can be described with the Japanese idiom, kajiba no bakajikara (火事場の馬鹿力).

Since kaji (火事) means "fire," and ba (場) means "place," kajiba (火事場) translates to "place of fire."

In addition, while baka (馬鹿) typically means "stupid," it can also imply "extraordinary," and jikara/chikara (力) means "power," so bakajikara (馬鹿力) translates to "extraordinary power."

Therefore, the literal meaning of kajiba no bakajikara is "extraordinary power at the place of fire."

This idiom originates from a story where someone carried heavy furniture by themselves when their house was on fire.
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【No. 2164】Inishie (古 - Obsolete)

Sep 24, 2023 10:15
Inishie

When I use words that were popular several years ago, sometimes young people describe them as inishie (古), which shocks me.

Inishie refers to a distant past, and when used to describe other words, it implies that they are "obsolete."

The slang used by today's youth changes rapidly. Therefore, if you use slang terms that were popular just a few years ago, they might be referred to as inishie no kotoba (古の言葉 - "obsolete words"), and you could be treated as an old person.

Although inishie was originally used in formal and written language, it seems increasingly used in casual conversation among young people to emphasize that something is obsolete.

Note that it often carries a connotation of ridicule.

【No. 2163】Shūbun no Hi (秋分の日 - Autumnal Equinox Day)

Sep 23, 2023 12:33
Shūbun no Hi

Today, September 23rd, 2023, is Shūbun no HI (秋分の日 - "Autumnal Equinox Day") in Japan.

On This day, the length of day and night becomes almost equal, as on Shunbun no Hi (春分の日 - "Vernal Equinox Day"), around March 20th.

Shūbun no HI is a national holiday to honor ancestors and remember the deceased.

Therefore, Japanese people often visit graves and clean Buddhist altars around that day.

Incidentally, in 2023, three national holidays, including Shūbun no Hi, fall on Saturdays, making it a year with fewer holidays than usual.