Yomi うりふたつ Rōmaji uri futatsu Type idiom Literal Meaning two gourds Meaning look very alike; as alike as two peas in a pod Synonym そっくり, クリソツ, 似てる Additional Info Example あの双子 (ふたご) は瓜(うり)二(ふた)つだ That twin looks very alike/as alike as two peas in a pod. Related Post Eat Grass on the Road? Funny Japanese Idioms about PlantsRead More

Yomi くらすのまどんな Rōmaji kurasu no madonna Type idiom Literal Meaning Madonna in a classroom Meaning the most popular girl in a classroom (at school) Additional Info Madonna (the Virgin Mary) figuratively illustrates a beautiful and popular girl. At (junior) high school in Japan, students are usually assigned to one classroom and take every class there (rather than moving classrooms for each subject). Therefore, it is very common that they have a crush on their classmate, especially “Madonna in the classroom”. Instead of クラス, you can mention a specific 部活 (ぶかつ, school club) like テニス部のマドンナ (Madonna at a tennis club). Or, you can simply say みんなのマドンナ (“everyone’s Madonna”), Note that this…Read More

Yomi たかねのはな Rōmaji takane no hana Type idiom Literal Meaning a flower at the top of a tall mountain Meaning way out of one’s league; too good to have Synonym 高望み Antonym 身の丈にあった Additional Info It’s often used by men to describe a girl who they think is too hot/popular to have a date with. It is also used for things that are too expensive to buy (e.g. condos in a luxury area). Example 彼女は俺には高嶺の花だから告白(こくはく)なんて出来(でき)ない Because she is too hot/popular for me, I cannot confess my feelings to her. Related Post クラスのマドンナ Japanese Words and Phrases About LoveRead More

Rōmaji keri o tsukeru Type idiom Literal Meaning to put keri Meaning to finalise; to bring (something) to an end; settle; to clinch (a game/deal)” Synonym 終わらせる, 決着をつける Additional Info In old Japanese,  けり denotes the past or present perfect form of “be”. Therefore, “けりをつける” figuratively means “put something to an end”. In particular, it is often used when one settles a long-lasting issue/problem. Below is the opening line of 竹取物語 (たけとりものがたり, “The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter”), one of the most famous Japanese tales written in old Japanese: 今(いま)は昔(むかし)、竹取(たけとり)の翁(おきな)といふ者(もの)ありけり Once upon a time, there was a man called Taketorino Okina. Example 今月でこの仕事にけりをつけたい。 I want to finalise/complete this work by…Read More

Rōmaji hippari dako Type idiom Literal Meaning a pulled octopus Meaning very popular; be in high demand Synonym 人気 Antonym 不人気 Additional Info Imagine a highly sought-after octopus whose legs/arms are pulled by many people from every direction. It’s usually used as “…{に/で}ひっぱりだこ” meaning “be in high demand for…” Example 彼はかっこよくて演技が上手いので、ドラマや映画にひっぱりだこだ。 He is handsome and good at acting, so he is in high demand for dramas and films.Read More