ranking equal with; comparing favourably with; comparing favorably with
something heard for the first time; hearing something for the first time
in some way or other; one way or another; somehow; only just; barely
variety; kind; type; counter for kinds, species, etc.
fate; destiny; predestination
seal; to seal (e.g. a letter); to affix a seal; to seal up
achievement; attainment; accomplishment; realization
self-deprecation; self-derision; self-mockery; laughing at oneself
to look away (from); to avert one's gaze; to disregard; to ignore; to escape (from); to turn away (from)
refined; elegant; graceful; modest; reserved; restrained
deep emotion; impression; inspiration
to take an attitude; to take a stance; to commit oneself; to assume a position
post; official position; managerial position; executive position
because of; on account of; about; on; per; for every
serving concurrently as; holding the additional post of
structure; construction; arrangement; plan; plot; contrivance
learning good manners through apprenticeship (to an upper-class family)
networking; making contacts
this sort of; this type of
to inherit; to succeed; to take over
at the critical moment; when the time comes; when it's most important; when necessary; in an emergency; when push comes to shove
to be helpful; to be useful
what kind of; what sort of; what; no matter what (kind of); whatever; any
professional job; profession
large quantity; massive (quantity); mass (e.g. mass production, mass transit, mass destruction)
whole nation; whole land; whole country
to be full; to wax (e.g. moon); to rise (e.g. tide); to mature; to expire
to make use of aizuchi; to back-channel; to throw in interjections to show that one is paying attention
personnel expenses; labor cost; labour cost; indirect labour costs; indirect labor costs
control; restraint; suppression; constraint; curtailment; inhibition
abundant; plentiful; rich; wealthy; open (mind); relaxed
longing; yearning; aspiration; adoration
to bite at; to snap at; to jump at (e.g. an offer); to snap at; to hold on to; to cling to
wish; desire; hope; prospect; expectation; (one's) hopes
obvious; (as) clear as day; plain to see
in form; ceremonial; for form's sake; pro forma
nothing but; none other than
natural; inborn; innate; inherent; characteristic
emotional strength; force of will
just barely; only just; at the very limit; at the last moment
distinguished family; famous family; noble family; prestigious organization (company, school, etc.)
coming out; going out; attending (work); appearing (on stage); start; beginning; origins
rare; exceptional; extraordinary; unique; incomparable; unparalleled