dramatic (improvement); remarkable (difference); marked; (far) better; exceptional
as a matter of fact; actually; effectively; in reality; in effect
as expected; sure enough; after all (is said and done); in the end; too; also
to keep someone from doing; to stop; to prevent; to check; to hinder; to obstruct
stage (theatre, theater); scene or setting (e.g. of novel, play, etc.)
the first and second; a few
tune; tone; vein; mood; condition; state of health
in perfect form; going swimmingly
to desire; to wish; to beg; to request; to have something done for oneself
to have one's predictions turn out exactly right
have no choice; there is nothing but; no more than
peak; summit; ridge; back of a blade
opening (in a game of go, chess, etc.); early stages; initial phase; outset
strong-willed; strong of heart
thin-culmed dwarf bamboo (growing in clusters); Japanese transverse bamboo flute (high-pitched; usu. with seven holes); sliver (strand of loose fibers)
sense of unity; sense of oneness
very easy; piece of cake; child's play; before breakfast
anxiety; uneasiness; worry; apprehension; fear; insecurity
together; jointly; at the same time; with; both
the last moment; the very end
one more; another; the other; not quite; not very good
to hit (e.g. one's head); to strike; to throw (e.g. a ball, a question, a demand); to express; to vent (e.g. one's anger)
before one's very eyes; under one's nose; imminence; close at hand
jamming a finger; stubbing a toe; spraining a finger (toe)
to lose one's way; to get lost; to waver; to hesitate; to give into temptation; to lose control of oneself
by all means; by all costs
long-handled Chinese spear; lance; weapon; arms; grip of a bow; parade float decorated with long-handled Chinese spears
to bark; to howl; to howl (e.g. of the wind); to roar; to yell; to cry
Nichiren sect; Tendai sect; Lotus Sutra
to rule; to govern; (arch.) to see; (arch.) to look; (arch.) to watch
to grow hot (e.g. water); to boil; to get excited (at); to erupt (in applause, cheering, etc.); to ferment; to melt (of metal)
to miss (capturing); to fail to catch; to let slip
it cannot be that...; it is highly unlikely that...; it is impossible that...
third day of the month; three days
to be playful; to gambol; to be amused (with something); to flirt with
careful observation; close attention
May; fifth month of the lunar calendar
(not so) much; (not) very
to relax; to release tension from one's muscles; to let go limp
October; tenth month of the lunar calendar