The Joy o' Kanji Essays
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掘
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.
恵
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.
掲
put up a sign
JOK: 1198
If you want to display things for all the world to see, this is the kanji for you! Find out how to talk about everything from Help Wanted signs and bulletin board notices to flags hoisted on flagpoles. Learn to say, "It came out in yesterday's paper." Come to understand the puzzling term "BBS.' Also learn to refer to the subject line of an email and to "aforementioned" comments.
渓
mountain stream
JOK: 1199
While learning terms for types of valleys and mountain streams, enjoy spectacular pictures of Japanese gorges. Learn which valley features snow year-round and which ravine is filled with apricot trees. Discover a gorge named for a lion’s nose, a “white horse” mountain, and a valley abounding with monkeys. And see how “ravenous” relates to “ravine” in both languages.
蛍
firefly
JOK: 1200
Find out about the firefly and its role in Japanese culture. You'll learn about parks dedicated to firefly viewing, "firefly fronts," haiku in which fireflies symbolize ephemerality, a famous song involving firefly light, connections to "The Tale of Genji," a famous anime involving fireflies, a legendary sword, "firefly tribes," short-lived flowers, and much more about this beloved insect.
憩
relax
JOK: 1205
Learn to unwind in Japanese! Find out how to say, “He needs time to relax now,” “Parks are places for relaxation,” and “Let's take a coffee break.” Examine titles that translate as “The Places I Love to Relax” and “A 10-Minute Break for Your Brain.” Also discover a resort area on Honshu that a novel and film made famous, inspiring a “tribe” of sun worshippers to emulate the characters.
迎
meet
JOK: 1207
Eminently practical, 迎 plays a role in terms for shuttle buses, welcome parties, and phrases like "Your ride is here," "I'll come get you," and "I met her at the station." But you can also use 迎 to discuss pandering, an optical illusion at dawn, and autumn leaves at their peak. Moreover, 迎 has a strong link to death, as in the case of spirits who welcome you to the other world before you die.
鯨
whale
JOK: 1208
See how whales relate to cows, hippopotami, and boars. Learn anatomical terms from blubber to the blowhole. Discover why sperm whales are “incense whales” in Japanese, see what “the scent of dragon slobber” represents, and learn why 鬚 (beard) appears in important whale words. Find out about Osaka’s whalebone bridge, and learn how the Japanese talk about the whaling controversy.
肩
shoulder
JOK: 1212
Your head rests on two good shoulders. The roads you travel on may have shoulders. Metaphorically, your shoulders help you carry the weight of burdens. Clearly, you need to know how to discuss shoulders. This essay will teach you key vocabulary and expressions related to this topic. You'll find out, for instance, what a tap on the shoulder means in Japan. Furthermore, you'll learn what the slope of shoulders indicates about someone's state of mind.
倹
thrifty
JOK: 1213
Find out why the Japanese have long valued thrift—but less so now. Read about the tyranny of gift exchanges. Learn to say, “He scrimped and saved for many years,” “To make our house payments, we'll have to tighten our belts,” and “Though he is fairly well off, he is frugal. He takes after his father in that respect.” Also see how John Lennon and Yoko Ono connect to this discussion of frugality.
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