to be true to nature; to be lifelike
self-condemnation; self-reproach; self-accusation
betterment; improvement; kaizen (Japanese business philosophy of continuous improvement)
blunder; fault; error; mistake; failure; disgrace
beyond expectation; contrary to expectations; unexpectedly
to comfort; to console; to amuse
payment; bill; sweeping; clearing away; sweeping stroke (e.g. when writing kanji)
cheerful; merry; sunny; bright (sky, day, etc.); fine; clear
to follow with one's gaze; to follow with the eyes
door (esp. Japanese-style); shutter; window shutter; (arch.) entrance (to a home); (arch.) narrows
to lay hands on; to touch; to care for; to look after; to make off with; to steal
to resign; to abandon; to step aside; to back out of; to retire; to get away
(husked grains of) rice; staple (product, etc.); necessity
(a) grain; (a) drop; (a) bead
inconsequential; indifferent; not worth worrying about; whatever; whichever; I don't care
to exchange glances; to look at each other; to postpone; to put off; to contrast; to compare
(cannot) possibly; (not) by any means; (not) at all; utterly; absolutely
dangling heavily; swaying to and fro; strolling; rambling; idly; lazily
tourist attraction; sight-seeing area
early; a little earlier than usual; a little faster than usual; slightly quicker
much less; to say nothing of
manners; courtesy; etiquette
innocence; insentient (i.e. plants, inanimate objects, etc.); free from obstructive thoughts; to pester someone (for cash, etc.)
to read and understand; to take in; to sense from external cues; to read (someone's) mind; to read (calibration, tape, etc.); to scan (bar code)
in accordance with plans; just as planned
organ (of body, plant, etc.)
thorough checkup; complete examination; complete physical; detailed testing
trusting too much; overestimating ability
creak; squeak; creaking; discord; strife; friction
clear; plain; distinct; obvious; evident; articulate
putting one's affairs in order; ordering one's affairs; tidying up
the prospects look brighter; there is hope of accomplishing (something)
feeling; mood; disposition; mental attitude; somewhat; slightly
for the present; for the time being; for a while (from now); for some time (to come)