even at the best of times; already; (even) under normal circumstances; in addition to; as it is
the same grade; same class
unreliable; undependable; untrustworthy; not to be counted on
surveillance system; monitoring system
draining basket (traditionally made of bamboo); colander; something full of holes; zaru soba; strong drinker; someone who can drink like a fish
smallest (in size, degree, etc.); least; minimum; minimal
to stretch larger; to enlarge (photos); to delay (e.g. the end of a meeting)
to paint; to plaster; to lacquer; to varnish; to spread; to smear
absorption; suction; attraction
wood; lumber; (raw) material; stuff; talent; ability
application (of ointment, etc.)
to hunt a spy; to put a tail on someone; to stalk
infrared rays; infrared radiation
to furnish; to install; to get someone's agreement; to patronize; to buy usually from the same store
to start; to begin; to challenge; to pick (a fight); to set (traps); to plant (explosives)
with all one's strength; with all one's might
to stand, walk, etc. shoulder-to-shoulder; to be on a par with
to begin to strike; to kick out; to forcefully expel; to hammer (pattern, etc.) into metal
to plan; to attempt; to plot; to conspire; to aim for; to strive for
joint; knuckle; tune; melody; knot (in wood); node in a bamboo stem
increase; rise; growth; addition; increment
meaning; connotation; denotation
gun; cannon; artillery; ordnance
to blow away; to blow off; to dispel; to drive away; to talk big
freebie (e.g. with a purchase); something additional; price reduction; discount; exaggeration
with a shiver (down one's spine); with a sudden chill
distant; remote; isolated
beforehand; in advance; previously
combat ship; combat vessel
transition; change; progress; passing (of time)
combat readiness; battle readiness; fighting trim
throwaway; disposable; single-use