even if; no matter (what); if; though; although; supposing
olden-day; hidden in the past
to blow up (i.e. wind); to blow upwards; to spout into the air
joy; delight; rapture; pleasure; gratification; rejoicing
crevice; crack; spare moment; interval; chink (in one's armor, armour); unpreparedness
listless; languid; sluggish; irritating; exasperating; tiresome
cannot (due to external circumstances); cannot afford to; must not; impossible to; no way one can (do)
just one person; only one
flour; meal; powder; dust
to knead; to thicken into a paste (stirring over a flame); to polish (a plan, etc.); to refine; to train; to drill; to gloss (silk)
working earnestly; sincerity; diligence; effort; pains
item; article; dish; course; finest item
or something; for instance ... (though there are other suitable options); ... or ...; as soon as; right after; while still
buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum); soba; Japanese buckwheat noodles
whim; caprice; whimsy; fickle; moody; uneven temper
yes; that is correct; um; errr; huh?; grrr
draining basket (traditionally made of bamboo); colander; something full of holes; zaru soba; strong drinker; someone who can drink like a fish
dropping; unloading; grated vegetables, fruit, etc.; grater; using new tools (or clothes, etc.); new tools (or clothes, etc.)
to be transparent; to be see-through; to be clear; to be clear (voice, sound)
gloss; luster; mellowness (of a voice); youthfulness (e.g. of skin); interest; appeal
to chew thoroughly; to bite (e.g. one's lip); to reflect upon; to digest
gradually (progressing); steadily; slowly; seeping out (sweat, tears, etc.)
sweetness; sugary taste; sweets; dessert; cake
refined; graceful; modest; cultivated; elegant; reserved
stomach; breadbasket; inner man; dietary needs
companion; comrade; escort; member of a party; fellow traveller; fellow traveler
licking one's lips; licking one's chops
reverberation; swelling (of a hymn); lingering memory; aftertaste; suggestiveness (of a book, poem, etc.)
hometown; rural township (of China)
hot spring district (within a town)
vulgar; in poor taste; cheap; low-brow
expectation; anticipation; hope; promising; rising; up-and-coming
castle town; city in Japan that developed around the castle of a feudal lord
appearance; shape; form; atmosphere; look; feel
calm; graceful; quiet; mellow; damp; moist