Formal Word Archives : Takashi's Japanese Dictionary (Takashionary)

背水の陣 (Haisuinojin): Advanced Idiom Meaning ‘Last-Stand Moment’

October 19, 2018

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背水の陣 indicates that you’re facing a last stand and there is nowhere to retreat into. This idiom is very similar to the English expression “one’s back against the wall”, but …Read Definition

重鎮 (Jūchin): ‘Important Person’ in a Japanese Advanced Word

October 17, 2018

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重鎮 indicates a person who is very important in a particular field. This word is often used with “~界の”, meaning “in the world of ~”. For instance, “ファッション界…Read Definition

守銭奴 (shusendo): “Protect-Money Guy” i.e., Miser in Japanese

October 7, 2018

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守銭奴 indicates people whose objective of life is to accumulate money and increase their bank balance. They always sniff for opportunities to gain money, and try to spend as little money as possible. In a nutshell, it is an equivalent ….Read Definition

役不足 (yakubusoku): Frequently Misused Japanese Word

September 30, 2018

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手前味噌 (temaemiso): Word for Boasting Oneself in a Humble Way

September 15, 2018

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Formal　○ ● ○ ○ ○Informal

手前味噌 indicates the act of praising oneself, and is usually used as “手前味噌だけど” or more politely “手前味噌{ですが/になりますが}”, that means “It may sound a little boastful, but …”.Read Definition