a short time ago; a while ago; for some time
play; playing; pleasure; amusement; play (in a mechanism, e.g. a steering wheel); slack
(complete) set; outfit; kit; all; everything
judging from appearances; to all appearances; from the looks of it; on the face of it; apparently; seemingly
interesting; fascinating; amusing; funny; enjoyable; fun
very; extremely; extreme; excessive; splendid; impressive
military officer; naval officer
spare time; free time; time (it takes to do something); time required; time off; leave; dismissal
if only (you) have; as long as (you) have; whenever (you) have
to amuse oneself; to make merry
(riding) spur; spurring on; acceleration; impetus
to take on a role; to take part
in tatters; in pieces; wiped out
isn't it?; don't you think?; right?; surely; come on
still having a very small chance; still having a tiny shred of hope
to herd; to drive; to corner; to force someone into doing; to go hard; to push yourself
at present; currently; so far; for now; for the time being
inside; within; while (e.g. one is young); during; among; amongst; in (secret, chaos, poverty, etc.)
(establishing a) big lead; (winning by a) huge margin; breaking away (from the field)
to boast of; to be proud of; to take pride in
regrettable; disappointing; precious; dear; too good for; deserving better
to hang on to; to hang from; to hound; to keep after (someone); to grab the front of the opponent's mawashi, place one's head against their chest, and lower one's hips
to lose; to be defeated; to give in (to); to yield; to be inferior (to); to be second (to)
about the same; about equal to; close match
resignation; giving up the game for lost
no!; no no!; no, not at all
battle; war; fight (against time, poverty, etc.); struggle (for freedom, survival, etc.); contest; competition
(game pieces, soldiers, etc.) under one's control
queen; queen; queen (chess piece); Queen (highest title for female players in competitive karuta)
slip; omission; upshot; denouement; punch line (of a joke)
old maid (game); living without one's mother-in-law
(real) ability; true strength; merit; arms; force
unrelated; irrelevant; unconcerned; unconnected
to bite at; to snap at; to jump at (e.g. an offer); to snap at; to hold on to; to cling to
hard; solid; stiff; tight; strong; firm (not viscous or easily moved); safe
numeral; digit; figure; number; a few characters
card (information, filing, etc.); card (greetings, congratulations, etc.); (Western) playing cards; credit card; debit card; card; program
towards (a destination); for the purpose of; with the goal of; targeting (a group, a demographic)
cardboard box; carton; corrugated box
cheerfully; joyously; joyfully; happily; lightheartedly; excitedly