table tennis club; ping-pong club
relation; relative; kind; cordial
skill; skillful; dexterity; flattery
(real) ability; true strength; merit; arms; force
success; passing (e.g. exam); eligibility
serious; earnest; real sword (as opposed to a wooden practice weapon)
competition rate; success rate; ratio of successful (applicants) to total applicants
five times (as much); quintuple; fivefold
double; twice (as much); twofold
(examination) failure; rejection; disqualification
how long; how much; to what extent
to content oneself with; to be resigned to (one's fate); to be contented (satisfied) with (one's lot)
still; much more; (not) yet; still a long way to go; still a long way off; not there yet
to come true (of a wish, prayer, etc.); to be realized; to suit (e.g. a purpose); to meet (wishes, ideals, etc.); to match (implies competition); to rival
gradually; slowly but steadily
(good) result; outcome; fruits (of one's labors); product; accomplishment
attitude; manner; behaviour; attitude (towards an issue, etc.); position; stance
to become sulky; to become irresponsible (due to disgruntlement)
to betray; to turn traitor to; to double-cross
humour; humor; safety; health; in a good mood; in high spirits
snapping back (at someone); lashing out (despite being in the wrong); counterblast; counteroffensive; backlash
to look down on (someone); to make fun of; to put down; to treat with contempt; to underestimate
celebrated personage; big-wig; person in a high position
soon; in a moment; nearby; close; direct; spot transaction
door (esp. Japanese-style); shutter; window shutter; (arch.) entrance (to a home); (arch.) narrows
to be shut; to close; to be locked; to tighten; to be tightened; to become sober
to attack; to assault; to assail
protection; defense; providence; amulet; charm
posture; pose; position; attitude; approach; stance
Nagasaki (city, prefecture)
achievement; performance; results; work; contribution
hanging low (over); hovering around (price level); low hanging (e.g. clouds); sluggish (e.g. economy); slump; recession
to pave the way; to put in motion; to put on the road (to)
curry (esp. Japanese curry); rice and curry
misedashi; debut of an apprentice geisha; ceremony in which a shikomi becomes a maiko
to be good (at); to go well; to look (taste, etc.) good; to hold one's liquor; to be able to hold one's drink
(written) contract; agreement
to exchange (messages, greetings, arguments, etc.); to intersect; to cross; ... with one another; ... to each other