Yomi つまらないものですが Rōmaji tsumaranai mono desu ga Type idiom, formal Literal Meaning (This) is trivial/not interesting, but… Meaning This is not much/just a little something, but… Additional Info A traditional Japanese phrase to say when you give a present to someone in a humble way. It’s not commonly used among young ppl these days, but still often used in anime/drama. Example これ、つまらないものですが… This is not much, but (I hope you’ll like it) わざわざすみません、ありがとうございます！ Oh you didn’t have to, thank you very much! Related Post Humble Japanese Phrases to Sound Like Japanese PeopleRead More

Yomi みぎもひだりもわからない Rōmaji migi mo hidari mo wakaranai Type idiom Literal Meaning don’t understand right or left Meaning don’t know anything, esp. in a new place/environment Synonym 何も分からない Additional Info It’s often used to describe yourself when you’re a complete stranger to a new place or unfamiliar with things in a new environment. This phrase is often used to show one’s gratitude, as in the example below. Example 入社したばかりで右も左も分からない時に、先輩に色んなことを教えてもらって非常に助かった。 When I just joined the company and didn’t know anything, I was taught a lot of stuff by my senpai and that was very helpful.Read More

Yomi めからうろこ Rōmaji me kara uroko Type idiom Literal Meaning The scales (fall) from one’s eyes Meaning be enlightening, informative, eye-opening Additional Info While this phrase originates from Bible, it is used more frequently and casually in Japanese than in English. Example あの先生の授業は、マジ目から鱗だった The lecture by the teacher was quite an eye-openerRead More

Yomi あさめしまえ Rōmaji asameshi mae Type idiom Literal Meaning before breakfast Meaning a piece of cake, very easy Synonym 簡単, 楽勝, お茶の子さいさい Antonym 難しい, 困難 Additional Info Its allusion is that something is so easy that you can do it even before eating breakfast. Example あの万年最下位のチームに勝(か)つなんて、朝飯前だ。 It’s a piece of cake (for us) to beat that team, which always ranks at the bottom.Read More

Yomi こころがおどる Rōmaji kokoro ga odoru Type idiom Literal Meaning “one’s heart springs up” Meaning “to feel very excited/stoked” Synonym ワクワクする Additional Info Other variations include 胸が躍る and 心臓が躍る. The word 躍る is a homophone of 踊(おど)る, which means “to dance”. Other than the expression above, “躍る” is also used in another phrase “躍り出る (おどりでる)”, which is usually used as in “トップ/先頭/首位に躍り出る” and means “(overtake others and) take the lead”. Example 何かを決めるときはいつも、一番心が躍る選択をするようにしている。 Whenever I make a decision, I try to choose the option that makes me feel most excited.Read More