frank; direct; plain; straightforward; point-blank; concise
to listen repeatedly; to listen again; to ask a question in return; to ask again; to ask for a repeated explanation
bang; bam; noontime signal gun (carried out early Meiji to Taishō); noon gun; last round in a game of 12 rounds; precisely
to prick; to stab; to poke; to prod; to use (a cane); to prop oneself up with
dear (old); good old; longed-for; classic; nostalgic
proving ground; test site
to kneel (in respect); to genuflect
respect and affection; love and respect
sample; example; specimen; display model (e.g. plastic food models used by restaurants)
to be enlivened; to be exhilarated; to be excited; to stand out; to contrast
cheerful; merry; sunny; bright (sky, day, etc.); fine; clear
to be relieved; to feel relieved
safety; security; safely; without incident; good health; inaction
superior airs; air of importance; overemphasis
(your) words; what you say; what you have said; a few words (of welcome, advice, etc.)
to shake; to sway; to rock; to become unstable; to become unsettled; to be shaken
hiding at all costs; desperate cover-up; doing one's best to keep (something) secret
composure; calmness; self-possession; depositing (at the bottom); deposition; accumulation
return of a courtesy; returning one's thanks; return salute; return call
unexpected; unforeseen; rude; impolite
request; appeal; claim; purchase
to respond; to answer; to accept (an invitation, offer, etc.); to comply with (a request, etc.); to suit; to match
to remake; to remold; to remould; to convert; to reconstruct; to adapt
high-quality goods; choice goods
happy event; cause for celebration; congratulations
to pour water (into); to dilute with water; to hinder; to hamper; to throw cold water on
no matter what; whatever you say; in the end
to turn one's face; to turn around; to look over one's shoulder
to place on (something); to give (someone) a ride; to give a lift; to load (luggage); to carry; to send out (on the airwaves, etc.); to deceive
to be lucky; to be in luck; to be attached; to have; to be included
total destruction; complete destruction; annihilation; total defeat; complete failure
interest; entertainment; pleasure; implicit comparison (style of the Shi Jing)
barefaced (e.g. lie); transparent; with feigned ignorance; pretending not to know; pure white; very clear
cover story (in a magazine); cover article
to spin; to make yarn; to spin (a tale); to assemble (e.g. words); to put together
synopsis; plot; outline; plan; scheme; program
encounter; running into; meeting with (e.g. an accident); being confronted with (e.g. a difficulty)
even ... (e.g. "even a genius")
to kill one's enemy (opponent)
(on) one's own; (by) oneself
(one's) family; dependents; household; follower; retainer; underling
mother's body (esp. when pregnant or after giving birth); parent body; parent organization; base
weathering; fading (of memories); efflorescence
I regret to say; I'm sorry to say; unfortunately