to keep in pace with; to keep up with; to follow (someone's thought); to understand
just now; a moment ago; this very minute
close examination; careful investigation; investigation of a crime; inquiry into someone's guilt; winner (of the most rounds, i.e. a full game); (arch.) reciting and appreciating traditional poetry
transition; change; progress; passing (of time)
right; correct; proper; righteous; just
to judge; to decide; to solve; to decipher; to divine; to guess
small number; few; minority
to appear uneasy; to appear anxious
intentionally; deliberately; designedly; especially; particularly
contest; competition; struggle; scramble
to grow thickly; to be overgrown; to thrive; to grow in abundance
blackened; black-painted; black-lacquered; blackened thing
whatever way; any way; either way; one way or the other
national character; regional character
to break; to smash; to defeat; to destroy; to eliminate
a lot; many; (not) much; (not) many; almost (none)
optimism; taking an optimistic view
dress; outfit; getup; to dress oneself; to outfit oneself
swing; shake; appearance; behaviour; pretence; pretense; (a customer) coming to restaurant, ryokan, etc. without a reservation or introduction
a moment; a minute; an instant; stubborn; obstinate
temporary; transitory; short-lived
blunder; bungle; gaffe; bungling; stupid; tactless
to deceive; to delude; to trick; to be as ... as ... (e.g. "as bright as day", "as beautiful as a rose")
to take (someone to a place); to take (someone) with one; to take along; to lead away
cannot be helped; unavoidable
the whole world; throughout heaven and earth
to shine on; to illuminate; to compare (with); to refer to
finely chiseled (features)
light and darkness; light and shade
clearly (standing out); distinctly; sharply; boldly; in sharp relief
to branch; to fork; to separate; to split; to disperse; to scatter
fate; destiny (esp. as a mysterious force that binds two people together); relationship (e.g. between two people); bond; family ties; affinity; opportunity
in history; ever; historical
rare; extraordinary; singular
studying abroad; (temporarily) studying at another school (to learn a specific skill)
deep impression; being deeply moved; being deeply touched
reckless; rash; headlong; foolhardy; daredevil; daring