samurai – Learning English and Japanese

Toru Nov 30, 2023Jan 01, 2024 engaging seriously, four-character idioms, idiom, issho kenmei, Japanese, lifetime, literal meaning, place, samurai

Issho Kenmei / Isshō Kenmei (一所懸命と一生懸命 – With All One’s Might)

Issho Kenmei / Isshō Kenmei 一所懸命と一生懸命 The four-character idioms issho kenmei (一所懸命) and isshō kenmei (一生懸命) are both used to Read More

Corrected Essay History Proverb

Toru Jul 23, 2021Jan 02, 2024 0 Comments 1913, Benkei, Heian period, samurai, strong, sword

Benkei ni Naginata (弁慶に薙刀 – Adding Wings to a Tiger)

Benkei ni Naginata 弁慶に薙刀 In yesterday’s post, I introduced the idiom oni ni kanabō (鬼に金棒), which means “making an already Read More

Culture Essay History Japanese tradition Uncorrected

Toru Sep 07, 2018Jan 01, 2024 0 Comments enemy, foot, samurai, sit, trouser, trousers, wear

How to Wear Trousers

How to Wear Trousers ズボンの履き方 I heard that most Westerners pass both their legs through trousers at the same time Read More

Culture Essay Etymology Idiom Japanese tradition Kanji Onomatopoeia Slang Uncorrected

Toru Jul 29, 2017Jan 03, 2024 etymology, gamushara, Japan, kanji, musha kusha, onomatopoeia, samurai, self-assertive, suffix, theories

Gamushara (がむしゃら – Headlong)

Gamushara がむしゃら Have you ever taken an adventurous action towards a purpose? 何か一つの目的に向かって、向こう見ずな行動をとったことはありますか？ Such an action is called “gamushara” (がむしゃら) Read More