Etymology – Page 3 – Learning English and Japanese

Toru Jan 08, 2024Jan 09, 2024 dignity, honor, Japanese idiom, Kao wo Tateru, metaphor, save face

Kao wo Tateru (顔を立てる – Saving Face)

Kao wo Tateru 顔を立てる To act in a way that preserves someone’s honor or dignity is described as the Japanese Read More

Corrected Culture Essay Etymology Idiom Japanese tradition Kanji Language

Toru Jan 05, 2024Jan 07, 2024 culture, east, idiom, Japanese, kanji, kokon tōzai, past, present, west

Kokon Tōzai (古今東西 – All Ages and Countries)

Kokon Tōzai 古今東西 When describing all times and places, you can use the four-character idiom kokon tōzai (古今東西). ありとあらゆる時間と場所を表したいとき、「古今東西」という四字熟語を使うことができます。 Since Read More

Corrected Culture Essay Etymology History Idiom Japanese tradition Language

Toru Jan 04, 2024Jan 08, 2024 Edo period, jishin, kaji, Kaminari, oyaji, rhyme, strong wind, terrifying, theories

Jishin, Kaminari, Kaji, Oyaji (地震、雷、火事、親父): Part 2

Jishin, Kaminari, Kaji, Oyaji: Part 2 地震、雷、火事、親父 Part 2 There are two major theories about why oyaji (親父 – “father”) Read More

Culture Diary Essay Etymology Idiom Japanese tradition Language Uncorrected

Toru Jan 03, 2024Jan 07, 2024 earthquake, expression, father, fire, Japan, jishin, kaji, Kaminari, oyaji, thunder

Jishin, Kaminari, Kaji, Oyaji (地震、雷、火事、親父): Part 1

Jishin, Kaminari, Kaji, Oyaji: Part 1 地震、雷、火事、親父 Part 1 At the start of the new year, Japan experienced some terrifying Read More

Culture Essay Etymology Idiom Japanese tradition Kanji Uncorrected

Toru Dec 17, 2023Jan 01, 2024 battlefield, conversation, insert, interferes, interrupt, Japanese idiom, literal meaning, spear, third party, yokoyari

Yokoyari wo Ireru (横槍を入れる – Interrupting)

Yokoyari wo Ireru 横槍を入れる The Japanese idiom yokoyari wo ireru (横槍を入れる) means to interrupt someone else’s conversation or work. 他人の会話や仕事に横から口を出してじゃまをすることを、「横槍を入れる」と言います。 Read More