red clay; tuff loam; dark-red paint
shade; shadow; behind (something); other side; background; behind the scenes
irresponsible; perfunctory; lukewarm; half-baked; reasonable; moderate
to try and do something; to attempt to do something
to be harmful to; to hinder; to interfere with; to irritate
to shuffle one's feet; to trample underfoot
how long; how much; to what extent
effect; effectiveness; efficacy; effects (e.g. sound effects, visual effects, special effects)
thought; consideration; thinking
eyes and nose; looks; facial features; shape; form
many problems; various problems
connections; contacts; influence
technology; engineering; technique; skill; art; craft
to work too hard; to try too hard; to strain oneself; to overdo it; to go too far
making use of; application; practical use; operation; handling; steering (esp. a boat)
contract; compact; agreement
remarkable; striking; obvious
lucky day; auspicious day; unspecified day of the month (used to obscure the date a letter, invitation, etc. was written)
crisp; staccato; piquant; clear
to be accompanied by; to be attended by; to take along (someone); to conquer; to subjugate; to subdue
focus (e.g. photographic); focal point
voluntary; optional; free; elective
careful; thorough; meticulous; scrupulous
striking just before one's opponent makes a move
plan; device; idea; design; contrivance; conception
aizuchi; back-channeling; interjections indicating that one is paying attention; two smiths hammering at an object in turn
investigation (e.g. academically, of the unknown); close inquiry (enquiry)
consenting to; being convinced of; being satisfied; understanding
to wake up; to awake; to perk up; to awaken (to the truth, etc.); to come to a realization; to come to one's senses
nine out of ten; nearly; almost
brightness; discernment; insight; eyesight; vision; nth year in the Meiji era (1868.9.8-1912.7.30)
to press a question; to cross-examine
to jump out; to rush out; to appear (suddenly); to protrude; to project; to butt in
so; accordingly; now; then; thereupon; therefore
Ministry of War (Tang-dynasty China)