The Joy o' Kanji Essays

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dawn
JOK: 1174
Although あかつき sounds like “red moon,” it doesn’t mean that. Learn the etymology of this yomi. Find out how dawn connects to success and enlightenment and how to say such things as “When completed, this building will be the world’s tallest.” Learn the Japanese for “It’s always darkest before the dawn.” Read about a fascinating artist and an architect with 暁 in their names.
axe
JOK: 1176
The kanji 斤 originally meant 'ax' and now means 'loaf (of bread).' En route from one definition to another, it acquired yet another meaning: 600 grams. Find out how the Japanese came to associate one kanji with such disparate things! Also learn about 斤 as a radical and as a very common component.
koto
JOK: 1178
The koto (Japanese zither) connects to dragons, blindness, class differences, rice paddies, marriage, and an important myth. Find out why one needs to read each 琴 in 琴の琴 with different yomi. See which natural feature in Japan was named after a type of 琴, and learn about hidden kotos in the garden. Also discover certain Japanese words that always pull on people's heartstrings.
discreet
JOK: 1180
Learn about a New Year’s greeting that you’ll read but not hear. See what it means when 謹製 is stamped on products in red. Find out how to talk about being conscientious and careful (e.g., with words) or conversely indiscreet (in oh so many ways!). Read about stay-at-home orders that long preceded our current era, as well as respectful terms to include in formal letters.
gallop
JOK: 1183
Most terms with 駆 will leave you breathless. It lies at the heart of words for "footrace," "rushing in at the last minute," and "pioneer" (one who has raced ahead of the pack). You'll learn to say, "He ran up the stairs panting," "Her desire to be a doctor spurred her on," and "He was driven by revenge." Find out why signs about Cinderella hang in Japanese subway stations!
accidentally
JOK: 1185
See how the disparate definitions of 偶 converge on one theme. Learn to discuss chance occurrences (e.g., "I happened to be in London then"). Find out about dogus, the otherworldly figurines that the ancient Japanese created, and see why people compare these statues to the Inuits. Also learn to talk about your idols, whether you adore Haruki Murakami or a North Korean dictator.
corner
JOK: 1187
Find out how the Japanese use 隅 not only literally but also figuratively, as when they talk about finding a refuge, feeling isolated, knowing something A to Z, nitpicking, and "lighting up the corner." Learn about a corner of Japan associated with an important strait, poetry, and scientific discoveries. Also find out about a fireworks festival in Tokyo. Enjoy several gorgeous book covers featuring 隅!
yield
JOK: 1188
In life, you must go with the flow sometimes but should "stand your ground" on other occasions. (Know when to fold them, know when to hold them, and all that.) Learn words about bending over - both literally (e.g., when putting on shoes) and metaphorically (e.g., when kowtowing to others).
dig
JOK: 1189
People use this kanji for digging up crops, excavating ruins, and mining; 掘 is quite grounded. But if you dig a little, you'll soon spot its figurative side. This essay will teach you to say "That old book is a real find" and "Someone rear-ended me." Through this kanji you'll find out about hidden treasure, an animal shaped like a tusk, and heating systems submerged in pits in the floor.
bless
JOK: 1196
In this essay, you'll learn to say "blessed with" (as in "She's blessed with intelligence and beauty") and to refer to people's wit, wisdom, and intelligence (all with the same word!). You'll also find out how to say that something (perhaps a dictionary or even the sun) is beneficial. But don't be under the impression that this kanji is only for positive thinking. It also enables you to talk about slick politicians, to complain that you're racking your brain, and to poke fun at your own natural laziness.
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