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【No. 0903】Mizu Irazu (水入らず - With Nobody Else)

Jun 8, 2017 07:21
When I introduced the term "mizu kusai" (水臭い), which means that someone is formal and secretive, I also introduced another term "mizu irazu" (水入らず) briefly.

Today I'd like to talk about this term in more detail.

The literal meaning of "mizu irazu" is "there is no room to add water," and it refers to "close relationships" or "family gatherings."

It is said that where the water is tried to be poured is in oil.

Here, from the fact that water and oil don't mix well, water represents other people and oil represents familiar people.

That is, mizu irazu refers to that there is only oil (relatives) without water (other people), and it can refers to the above meanings.

In general, it is used as "hūhu mizu irazu" (hūhu means husband and wife) or "oyako mizu irazu" (oyako means parent and child).
水入らず

以前、「他人行儀であること」を意味する「水臭い」という言葉を紹介したとき、「水入らず」という言葉も簡単に紹介しました。
http://lang-8.com/kanotown/journals/85756231820806385672907444938298040591

今日はこの言葉について、もう少し詳しく紹介しようと思います。

水入らずの文字どおりの意味は「水が入っていない」であり、「親しい間柄」や「身内だけの集まり」を表します。

「水」がどこに入っていないのかというと、「油の中」だと言われています。

ここで、水と油はうまく混じらないことから、水は他人を、油は親しい者を表しています。

水(他人)が入っていなければ油(身内)だけ、ということから現在の意味を持つようになりました。

一般的には「夫婦水入らず」や「親子水入らず」のように用いられます。

Corrections (1)

No. 1 Timmy
  • Today I'd like to talk about this term in more detail.
  • Today I'd like to explain this term in more detail.
  • It is said that where the water is tried to be poured is in oil.
  • It is said that oil is the liquid that can't be dissolved in water.
  • Here, from the fact that water and oil don't mix well, water represents other people and oil represents familiar people.
  • Here, from the fact that water and oil don't mix well, water represents other people (or: outsiders) and oil represents familiar people.

Interesting! I think you should consider starting a blog to publish your writing.

Toru
Thank you so much always for correcting my post!
I'm glad to hear you say that, I'd like to do that in the near future :)
Timmy
You're welcome!

>I'd like to do that in the near future :)

Nice. Keep us updated)

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