to colour; to color; to apply make-up; to decorate; to garnish
contribution (to a newspaper, magazine, etc.); submission; post (on a blog, social media, etc.)
hard fighting; hard struggle; fighting against heavy odds
just managing; with great difficulty
to finish writing; to complete; to write down (e.g. a list); to write out
two sheets (pieces) (of paper)
(powers of) concentration; ability to concentrate
to be able (to); to be possible (to)
crevice; crack; spare moment; interval; chink (in one's armor, armour); unpreparedness
gorgeous; sumptuous; extravagant; luxurious
(on a) closer look; closer scrutiny; second look
distorted; crooked; oval; elliptical shape; round, wooden container for cooked rice; oval coin
crystal; crystallization; crystallisation; fruits (of labor, union, etc.)
opposite side; opposition
wish; dream; prayer; one's desire
back; rear; background; behind the scenes
Star Festival (held in July or August); Tanabata; Festival of the Weaver
mess; jumble; muddle; chaos
messy; confused; chaotic; complaining about various things
to be honest; to be frank; honestly; if you want to know the truth
to fuss over; to be particular about; to be obsessive about; to be fixated on; to obstruct; to hinder
pout; displeasure; ill humor; ill humour; sullenness
to stick out too much; to protrude too far; to be too strong (e.g. of tea); to be too forward; to be too assertive; to be pushy
to say enough (as much as required); to say plenty; to say well; to say cleverly; to say often; to say frequently
that kind of; that way; that move; that trick; that game
to cling to; to hang onto; to rely on; to depend on; to implore; to entreat
powerful; strong; forceful; reassuring; encouraging
hot blood; warm blood; zeal; fervor; fervour
(fictional) character; character; personality; persona
trouble; troubles; worry; distress; sorrows; anguish
to confide; to reveal; to disclose; to lay bare; to speak frankly; to open (one's heart)
to cry; to weep; to sob; to howl
to hold hands; to join hands; to do together; to go arm in arm; to join forces; to link hands
Saint; St.; S.; sacred; holy; pure
from out of nowhere; from who knows where
to glitter; to glisten; to sparkle; to twinkle; to glare; to gleam
character (esp. kanji); letter; handwriting; penmanship; the ... word (e.g. "the L word" = "love")
cutter; cutting tool; box cutter; utility knife; (tailor's) cutter; cutter (boat)
packing something in a bag; bagging