Yomi もとをとる Rōmaji moto o toru Type idiom Literal Meaning get the source Meaning get your money’s worth; get something worth at least what you’ve paid Additional Info For instance, when you go to an all-you-can-eat restaurant, you may feel obliged to 元を取る by keep eating the most expensive meal on the menu. However, if you eat too much and feel sick as a result of trying to get your money’s worth, that is 本末転倒 (ほんまつてんとう), a four-kanji word meaning “primary objectives are sidelined/overshadowed by secondary objectives”. Example 飲み放題の居酒屋に行くと、いつも元を取ろうとしてビールを沢山飲む When I go to an all-you-can-drink izakaya, I always try to get my money’s worth and drink a lot of beer….Read More

Yomi ひとりあるきする Rōmaji hitori aruki suru Type idiom Literal Meaning walk alone Meaning 1. (words, concepts or someone’s remarks) be taken out of context and spread widely with an unintended meaning (as if they travel without their source/context) 2. unverified information/rumours circulate in an unstoppable manner (despite someone’s intention) Additional Info Its allusion is that specific information travels “alone” (i.e. without its source/origin/background/context or despite one’s intention). Note that it’s also used literally (街を一人歩きする, “to walk alone in a city”). Example 「多様性」という言葉が一人歩きして、ルールを守らななくてもいい意味だと勘違いしている人がいる。 As the word “diversity” spreads widely, some people misunderstand that they don’t have to follow rules. 「優勝は目指さない」という発言が一人歩きしたせいで、あの監督はやる気がないと批判された。 The head coach was criticised for lacking in motivation because his…Read More

Yomi のんべえ Rōmaji nonbee Type slang Meaning a person who loves drinking alcohol Synonym 飲助 Antonym 下戸 Additional Info 飲兵衛 (のんべえ) and also 飲助 (のみすけ) mean “people who love drinking”. Both words presumably originate from real person’s names, as 兵衛（べえ）and 助 (すけ) used to be commonly used in people’s names, such as 権兵衛 (ごんべえ) and 愛之助 (あいのすけ). While 兵衛 now sounds old-fashioned and is not very popular, 助 is still used in some names, such as 慎之助 (しんのすけ). Example 彼は飲兵衛/飲助だから、日本酒(にほんしゅ)を持って行ったら喜ぶよ。 Because he loves drinking, he will be happy if you bring him Japanese sake. Related Post Essential Japanese Words About Drinking/SakeRead More

Yomi ねこじた Rōmaji nekojita Type idiom Literal Meaning a cat’s tongue” Meaning cannot eat hot/high-temperature food/drink Additional Info This is because cats usually cannot have hot something hot. Example 猫舌だから、とても熱いコーヒーは飲めない。 Because I cannot eat something hot, I can’t drink very hot coffee. Related Post 8 Funny and Cute Japanese Cat IdiomsRead More

Yomi ふつかよい Rōmaji futsuka yoi Type idiom Literal Meaning two-day drunk Meaning (get a) hangover Additional Info It is usually used as 二日酔い+ だ, になる, or する. Example 歳(とし)を取(と)るにつれて、二日酔いしやすくなる。 As you get older, you’re more likely to have a hangover.Read More