in parentheses; bracketed
wholesale store; wholesale dealer; wholesaler
aiueo-order; order of the kana syllabary
literary criticism; book review
writer; author; literary person; one who lives from writing
intelligence quotient; IQ
of no concern at all; no skin off my nose
how many times; how often
demanding; difficult; strict
Good heavens!; Oh my god!; gee whiz
bitter smile; wry smile; strained laugh; sarcastic laugh
tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa); moutan; wild boar (meat)
alliance; aimag; league; administrative subdivision in Mongolia and Inner Mongolia
heavy work; manual labour; feat of strength
trick that may deceive a child; transparent ploy; mere child's play; kid stuff; puerile trick
(not) even once; (not) ever
extreme foolishness; grave stupidity; big fool; damn idiot; utter fool
to grow cold (from room temperature, e.g. in refrigerator); to get chilly; to cool down
humanities, social sciences, and fine arts; liberal arts
to have one's faults exposed; to have one's secrets blown
who on earth; just exactly who; who the heck
grave; solemn; stern; authoritative; hard (e.g. fact)
utterance; speaking; vocalization; leading a group of people (in cheering, singing, etc.)
mysterious power of words to alter reality
to be preeminent; to be outstanding
talented; gifted; prodigious; virtuoso; masterful
skilled person; capable person; doer; performer; giver; bestower
to steam (food, towel, etc.); to be hot and humid; to be sultry