naginata; polearm with a curved single-edged blade (similar to a glaive); naginata; martial art of wielding the naginata
to take lessons in; to be taught; to learn (from a teacher); to study (under a teacher); to get training in
that is so; that is right; it looks to me; people say that; it is said that; I hear that
above anything else; above all; more than anything; best; greatest; excellent
purpose for which money is spent; the way money is spent; how goods are used
woman; lady; adult female
to like; to be pleased with; to be delighted with; to take a liking to; to suit one's fancy
enjoyment; pleasure; diversion; amusement; hobby
older brother; elder brother
these days; nowadays; now; at present; recently; lately
virtuous mind; good intentions; good will; positive mindset; bona fides; good faith
(not) ever; (not) by any means; (not) in the least; (not) in any way; (not) at all
longed-for; anxiously awaited
one day; all day (long); throughout the day; first day of the month
one by one; each; every; at intervals of
breathing; respiration; knack; trick; harmony; balance
to advance; to go forward; to precede; to go ahead (of); to make progress; to improve; to deepen
to approach; to draw near; to be imminent; to press (someone for something); to urge; to compel
captive; prisoner; victim (of love, etc.); slave (to one's lust, etc.)
through; throughout; in the course of; all over or throughout (e.g. a place)
letter; missive; note; mail
express messenger; postman; mailman; courier
to receive; to get; to accept; to take; to interpret; to understand
vacantly; blankly; openmouthed; with one's mouth wide-open; with a whack; with a thump
resting one's chin in one's hands; brace (in construction); angle brace
to present; to submit; to tender; to hold out
book; volume; this; present; main; head
one copy (of a document); one letter; one-way traffic; pure straight; winning hand containing nine consecutive tiles of the same suit (i.e. 1-9)
personal; confidential (letter)
document; letter; writing; contents (e.g. of a letter)
suddenly (hit); with a slap; sharply (glance, glare, etc.); fiercely; suddenly; all of a sudden
divining sticks; counting; calculation
turbidity; cloudiness (of a liquid); opacity; disorder; chaos
tender; kind; gentle; graceful; affectionate; amiable
woman's handwriting; hiragana
running; gliding; first (harvest) of the season; beginning; start; kitchen sink
finally; after; following; at the end (of)
road; path; way; set of practices; Buddhist teachings; Taoism; modern administrative region of Japan (Hokkaido)
at least; at most; (even) just
one side; one party; counterpart; one of a pair; fellow; mate
unpleasant; disagreeable; displeasing; uncomfortable; unhappy