first of all; to begin with; probably; most likely; more or less (satisfactory); on the whole
a long time (since the last time); first in a long time
with the exception of; excepting; excluding
really; truly; indeed; good grief
flavor; flavour; charm; appeal; experience; taste (e.g. of victory)
how; in what way; by what means
indicates supposition; if ... then; when; (typically after someone's name) indicates exasperation
pleasant; agreeable; comfortable; refreshing
secrecy; confidentiality; one's circumstances (esp. fiscal); kitchen
to ask; to inquire; to implore (a god for an oracle); to seek direction (from your superior); to visit; to speak to (a large crowd at a theatre, etc.)
on-the-ground reporter; news reporter; legman
to meet; to encounter; to see; to have an accident; to have a bad experience
just (now, at the moment, etc.); just as; in the act of; as soon as; at the moment that
lie; fib; mistake; error; unwise move; bad decision
to attach; to join; to furnish (a house with); to wear; to put on; to keep a diary; to make an entry
idea; notion; sense (e.g. of duty); resignation; preparedness; observation and contemplation
this sort of; this kind of; like this; such
for the first time; only after ... is it ...; only when ... do you ...; first time; (one's) first
and yet; despite this; but even so; but even then; however; nevertheless
everything; all; the whole; entirely; completely; wholly
I see; that's right; indeed
buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum); soba; Japanese buckwheat noodles
as one would expect; just as you'd expect (from); still; all the same; even ... (e.g. "even a genius")
sharp (blade); pointed; sharp (pain); stabbing; perceptive; keen
link; connection; filler; stopgap (job, budget, etc.); thickener (e.g. in cooking); thickening; hedging
breadcrumbs; panko; bread flour
many; numerous; large amount of; large quantity of; frequent; common
soya bean (Glycine max); soybean; soy
evening; night; dinner; evening meal; counter for nights
water (esp. cool, fresh water, e.g. drinking water); fluid (esp. in an animal tissue); liquid; flood; floodwaters; water offered to wrestlers just prior to a bout
to soak; to dip; to steep; to moisten; to wet
(earthenware) mortar (for grinding)
to be hit; to strike; to touch; to be in contact; to be equivalent to; to be applicable; to be right on the money (of a prediction, criticism, etc.)
Tsugaru (Western region of Aomori Prefecture)
method; process; manner; way; means; technique
famous product; special product; speciality; specialty
to be sufficient; to be enough; to be worth doing; to be worthy of; to do (the job); to serve
to mix; to stir; to blend
rustic; unsophisticated; provincial; hick; cornball
to boil (something in hot water); to treat with medicinal steam (a swelling, etc.)
honest; frank; candid; honestly; frankly
to be surprised; to be astonished