mainland; the country proper; native country; country where one was born; pure land; Buddha realm
even though; despite; when
until now; till now; up to now; up to the present; so far
(not) even once; (not) ever
trend of the times; way things are going
year by year; annually; every year; from year to year
to build up one's strength; to get stronger; to give (someone) strength; to cheer (someone) up; to encourage (someone)
method; way; manner; process; procedure; means
languorous; weary; listless; somber; sombre; gloomy
facial expression; countenance; look; appearance; expression (vocal, etc.)
to have something on one's mind; to have (undisclosed) reservations; to feel conflicted
individual; private person; personal; natural person
upper level; upper grade; high rank; advanced level; senior level; upper class
bureaucrat; government official; bureaucracy
shrine; palace; imperial residence; Imperial prince; Imperial princess; headboard with built-in shelves, drawers, etc.
service; duty; business; Buddhist religious services
success in life; getting ahead; successful career; promotion; climbing the corporate ladder; eminence
route; path; channel (e.g. sales, distribution)
expectation; anticipation; purpose; intention; others' opinions of one; speculation
to get on (train, plane, bus, ship, etc.); to get in; to get on (e.g. a footstool); to step on; to reach; to go over; to follow
to drain; to pour; to float (e.g. logs down a river); to set adrift; to wash away; to carry away; to broadcast
-ness; indicates assertion; come (on); come now; er; um; indicates scrutiny, critique or mistrust
to be surprised; to be taken aback; to be amazed; to be frightened; to be startled; to be alarmed
almost; nearly; hardly; barely; large majority; large proportion
nonexistent; not being (there); unowned; not had; unique; not; impossible
relation; connection; relevance
according to; due to; by (means of); because of; via; on the basis of
completion; accomplishment; attainment of greatness or success
effort; exertion; endeavour; endeavor; hard work; striving
any; anything; whatever; I am told; I hear; I understand
correction; revision; compensation (e.g. to a pendulum)
what!; oh; what the heck; what the; damn
for example; for instance; e.g.
soldier; combatant; warrior
elevation; rise; improvement; advancement; progress
best; supreme; wonderful; highest; maximum; most
double; twice (as much); twofold
(real) ability; true strength; merit; arms; force
difference; variation; difference