Japanese-lol

Japanese / language / English / artist subblog☞@jplol-handmade 📖 Kindle Author ─ amazon.com/author/kaede

[japanese-lol]

Today's phrase is "人の長所を見る（hito no chosho wo miru）"

【Vocabulary & Grammar】

1.人 (ひと, hito):

This word means "person" or "people." It functions as a noun here.

2.の (no):

This is a possessive particle, often translating to "of" in English. It connects the noun "人" (person) with "長所" (strength), creating the phrase "the strengths of a person."

3.長所 (ちょうしょ, chōsho):

This word means "strengths" or "good points." It functions as a noun describing positive attributes.

4.を (wo):

This is the particle indicating the direct object of the verb. Here, it marks "長所" (strengths) as the object of the action "見る" (see).

5.見る (みる, miru):

This is the verb meaning "to see" or "to look at."

Put together, "人の長所を見る" translates to "seeing the strengths of a person." This phrase encourages us to focus on the positive attributes of others.

When you have to be around someone you don't like, try to focus on their strengths. This can turn a dreadful time into a valuable learning experience.

---

本日の一言は、「人の長所を見る」です。 嫌いな人と一緒にいないといけないときは、その人の長所に目を向けると、憂鬱な時間から何かを学べる時間に変わるかもしれません。

[japanese-lol]

Today's phrase is "報本反始（hohonhanshi）".

【Vocabulary & Grammar】

1．報本反始（hohonhanshi） A four‑character compound meaning “to return to one’s origin and repay what one owes to it.” It expresses the idea of remembering one’s roots, reflecting on where things began, and showing gratitude to the source of one’s life or support. It’s Obon. Have you welcomed your ancestors home this year? In my family, we offered some sake last night and greeted them. Today, we plan to place peaches and pears as well. Since the way people observe Obon differs by region, going back to the countryside often turns it into a big event, which can be quite a task. How are you spending your Obon?

-----

本日の一言は、「報本反始」です。 お盆ですね。 ご先祖さまを自宅にお迎えしましたか。 我が家では、昨夜お酒をお供えし、ご挨拶をしました。 今日は、桃と梨を置く予定です。 地域によって、お盆の過ごし方が異なるので、田舎へ行くと一大イベントになって大変そうです。 みなさんは、どのようなお盆を過ごされていますか。

[japanese-lol]

Today's phrase is "孤独に耐える（kodoku ni taeru）".

【Vocabulary & Grammar】

1．孤独（こどく, kodoku） A noun meaning loneliness or solitude. It refers to the emotional state of being alone or feeling isolated.

2．に（ni） A particle marking the target or object of endurance. Here it means “to” or “toward”, functioning like “endure loneliness.”

3．耐える（たえる, taeru）

A verb meaning “to endure,” “to withstand,” “to bear.” It expresses the act of holding steady through difficulty or discomfort.

This phrase means “to endure loneliness” or “to withstand being alone.” It conveys the idea of staying strong and composed even when facing emotional isolation. People feel lonely when they cannot sense a connection with society. They feel lonely when they have nothing they can be absorbed in. And they feel lonely when there is no one they can rely on in times of trouble. On the other hand, if even one of these is fulfilled, we can feel that our days are meaningful. How about you?

-----

本日の一言は、「孤独に耐える」です。 人は、社会との繋がりを感じられないと、孤独を感じます。 夢中になれることがないと、孤独を感じます。 困ったときに頼れる人がいないと、孤独を感じます。 逆を言えば、上記のどれか一つでも満たされていると、充実した日々を感じることができます。 みなさんはどうでしょうか。

[japanese-lol]

Today's phrase is "機に因りて法を説け（ki ni yorite ho o toke）".

【Vocabulary & Grammar】

1．機（き, ki） A noun meaning capacity, readiness, or mental condition. In Buddhist context, it refers to the listener’s ability or state of mind to receive teaching.

2．に（ni） A particle marking the basis or condition. It means “according to” or “based on.”

3．因りて（よりて, yorite） A classical form of 因る（よる）, meaning “to depend on,” “to follow,” “to be based on.” “因りて” functions as “in accordance with.”

4．法（ほう, hō） A noun meaning teaching, truth, or doctrine. In Buddhism, it refers to the truth or teaching to be conveyed.

5．を（o） The object‑marking particle. It marks 法 as what is being taught or explained.

6．説け（とけ, toke） The imperative form of 説く（とく）, meaning “to teach,” “to expound,” “to explain.” “説け” means “teach” or “expound it.”

This phrase means “Teach the truth according to the listener’s capacity.” It expresses the idea that guidance or instruction should be given in a way that matches the listener’s readiness, understanding, and mental condition. When something unexpected happens, a person’s true capacity begins to reveal itself. Even things we once thought were useless become meaningful when life throws us something far beyond what we imagined. A flexible mindset is not something we gain overnight. So let’s keep challenging ourselves and building experience. Surprisingly, the moment when those experiences become useful might come as soon as tomorrow.

-----

本日の一言は、「機に因りて法を説け」です。 人は、予想外のことが起きた時に、その人の本当の器の大きさが見えてきます。 無駄なことだと思っていたことが活かされるのも、想定の斜め上のことが起きた時です。 柔軟な考えとは、すぐに身につくわけではありません。 様々なことに挑戦し、経験を積んでみましょう。 案外、その経験が活かされるのは、明日かもしれません。

[japanese-lol]

Today's phrase is "単糸線を成さず（tanshi sen o nasazu）".

【Vocabulary & Grammar】

1．単糸（たんし, tanshi） A noun meaning “single thread.” It refers to one thin strand, symbolizing fragility or weakness when alone.

2．線（せん, sen） A noun meaning “line” or “strand.” Here it reinforces the image of a single, thin line—something easily broken.

3．を（o） The object‑marking particle. It marks 単糸線（単糸＋線） as what is “formed” or “made.”

4．成さず（なさず, nasazu） A classical negative form of 成す（to form / to make）. “成さず” means “do not form,” “do not become.”

This phrase expresses the idea of not becoming a single, fragile thread, meaning not standing alone, or not remaining weak and isolated. It often implies the importance of unity or cooperation. Feeling lonely is something that can happen at any time. But the warmth or kindness of someone else is not always there when we want it. There are moments when seeking quiet is necessary, yet we should also remember that having someone by our side is never guaranteed.

-----

本日の一言は、「単糸線を成さず」です。 孤独を感じることは、いつでもできます。 しかし、誰かのぬくもりや、優しさは、いつもあるわけではありません。 たまに静けさを求めることも必要ですが、誰かがそばにいてくれることが当たり前ではないことも、覚えておきましょう。

[japanese-lol]

Today's phrase is "魅力ある人になる（miryoku aru hito ni naru）".

【Vocabulary & Grammar】

1．魅力（みりょく, miryoku） A noun meaning “charm,” “appeal,” or “attractiveness.” It refers to qualities that draw others in—personality, warmth, presence, or skill.

2．ある（aru） A verb meaning “to have” or “to possess.” Here it modifies 魅力, forming the phrase “a person who has charm.”

3．人（ひと, hito） A noun meaning “person.” Together with 魅力ある, it becomes “a person who has charm.”

4．に（ni） A particle marking the target state or role someone becomes. It indicates the goal: “to become such a person.”

5．なる（naru） A verb meaning “to become.” It expresses change or transformation into a new state.

This phrase means to become a person who possesses charm or appeal, someone whose presence, personality, or actions naturally attract others. It expresses the idea of growing into a warm, engaging, and compelling version of oneself. What kind of person do you consider to be truly charming or attractive? For me, I feel drawn to people who are compassionate, sincere, and guided by their own values. Whether it’s a friend or a partner, if we can build a relationship where we respect one another, the world around us will naturally become a kinder place.

-----

本日の一言は、「魅力ある人になる」です。 みなさんが魅力的な人だと思う人は、どのような人ですか。 私は、思いやりがあり、誠実で、自分の信念を持っている人に魅力を感じます。 友人でも、パートナーでも、お互いを尊重し合える関係性を築けば、私たちの周りも優しい世界となることでしょう。

[japanese-lol]

Today's phrase is "千里の道も一歩から（senri no michi mo ippo kara）"

【Vocabulary & Grammar】

1．千里（せんり, senri） A noun meaning “a thousand ri,” a very long distance. In modern understanding, it simply means a long journey or a great undertaking.

2．の（no） A particle linking 千里 and 道. It forms the phrase “the road of a thousand ri.”

3．道（みち, michi） A noun meaning “road,” “path,” or “way.” Here it symbolizes a long process, goal, or life journey.

4．も（mo） A particle meaning “even.” It emphasizes that even a long journey begins with something small.

5．一歩（いっぽ, ippo） A noun meaning “one step.” It represents the smallest possible beginning.

6．から（kara） A particle meaning “from.” It indicates the starting point: from one step.

This phrase expresses the idea that even the longest journey begins with a single step. It teaches that any large goal, challenge, or lifelong pursuit must start from a small action. Setting a goal is something we can do fairly easily, but moving forward toward that goal is not something everyone can manage. Where will your very first step begin? I hope that step leads you to something much greater.

-----

本日の一言は、「千里の道も一歩から」です。 目標を立てることは比較的簡単に行えますが、目標に向かって進んで行くことは誰もができることではありません。 みなさんの最初の一歩は、どこから始めましょうか。 その一歩が大きな何かに繋がっていますように。

[japanese-lol]

Today's phrase is "人を以って鑑と為す（hito o motte kagami to nasu）".

【Vocabulary & Grammar】

1．人（ひと, hito） A noun meaning “person” or “people.” Here it refers to “another person” as an example or model.

2．を（o） The object‑marking particle. It marks 人 as what is being used or taken as something.

3．以って（もって, motte） A classical expression meaning “by means of,” “with,” or “using.” In modern Japanese、をもって （〜を用いて、〜として、〜によって）に近い。 Here it means “to take (someone) as…”

4．鑑（かがみ, kagami） A noun meaning “mirror,” “model,” or “example.” In classical usage, it refers to a moral example or a standard to learn from.

5．と（to）

A particle marking the complement of the verb 為す. It indicates what something is regarded or treated as.

6．為す（なす, nasu） A classical verb meaning “to make,” “to treat as,” or “to regard as.” Here it means “to take (someone) as a model.”

「人を以って鑑と為す」means to take another person as a model or example, learning from their behavior—whether good or bad—so that one can reflect on oneself. It expresses the idea that other people’s actions serve as a mirror for our own conduct. Second sons and second daughters tend to be good at navigating the world. By watching their older siblings, they can learn constantly from a young age without having to fail on their own. The very first child, however, has no choice but to face challenges and failures by themselves. And once we become adults, even fewer people point things out to us. Let’s become the kind of person who can learn and notice things on our own.

-----

本日の一言は、「人を以って鑑と為す」です。 次男、次女は、世渡り上手です。 兄や姉を見て、小さい頃から自分で失敗しなくても、常に学ぶことができるからです。 一番最初の子は、自分で挑戦と失敗を繰り返すしかありません。 大人になると、なおさら何かを指摘してくれる人は少なくなります。 自分で学び、気づける人になりましょう。

[japanese-lol]

Today's phrase is "不退転（futaiten）".

【Vocabulary & Grammar】

1．不退転（ふたいてん, futaiten） A noun meaning “unyielding determination,” “steadfast resolve,” or “an attitude that never retreats.” It expresses a strong mental state of not backing down, regardless of difficulty or opposition.

It is formed from: 不（not） 退（to retreat） 転（to turn / to change direction）

不退転 expresses the idea of holding a determination that does not waver or retreat, even in the face of hardship or opposition. It is often used to describe strong willpower, moral courage, or a firm stance once a decision is made. Since I’m indecisive, I try to follow the idea of choosing the option I won’t regret when I’m unsure. Regret from doing something helps me face forward more than regret from not doing it. What kind of guiding belief do you hold in your life?

-----

本日の一言は、「不退転」です。 私は、優柔不断なので、「迷ったときは後悔しない方を選ぶ」という考えを持つようにしています。 しない後悔よりも、する後悔の方が前を向けるからです。 みなさんは、どのような信念を思っていますか。

[japanese-lol]

250件の投稿!

[japanese-lol]

Today's phrase is "芸は身を助く（gei wa mi o tasuku）".

【Vocabulary & Grammar】

1．芸（げい, gei） A noun meaning “skill,” “art,” or “craft.” It refers to any ability a person has—technical skill, artistic talent, or practical know‑how.

2．は（wa） The topic‑marking particle. It highlights 芸 as the main subject of the statement: “as for skill” / “skill is…”

3．身（み, mi） A noun meaning “body,” “self,” or “one’s person.” Here it refers to one’s life or well‑being.

4．を（o） The particle marking 身 as the direct object of the verb 助く. It indicates what is being helped or saved.

5．助く（たすく, tasuku） A classical verb meaning “to help,” “to save,” or “to support.” In modern Japanese, the equivalent is 助ける. Here it expresses the idea that skill can support or protect one’s life.

「芸は身を助く」 means “Skill supports one’s life.” , “Your abilities can save you.” , “A skill becomes a safeguard throughout life.” The phrase teaches that having a craft or ability—no matter how small—can become a valuable asset that helps you survive or succeed. People who have a craft or a skill in their hands are truly admirable, and I can’t help but feel a bit envious of them. For someone like me, living an ordinary life, they seem incredibly cool. But perhaps something I start from now on could become a lifelong pursuit. Human potential really is limitless.

-----

本日の一言は、「芸は身を助く」です。 手に職がある人は、憧れる存在であり、羨ましくも思います。 平凡に生きている身としては、かっこよく感じます。 でも、もしかしたら、これから始める何かが一生ものとなる可能性もあります。 人の伸びしろは無限大ですね。

[japanese-lol]

Today's phrase is "堪忍は一生の宝（kanin wa issho no takara）".

【Vocabulary & Grammar】

1．堪忍（かんにん, kannin） This noun means “patience,” “endurance,” or “forbearance.” It refers to the ability to tolerate hardship, anger, or difficulty without losing composure.

2．は（wa）

The topic‑marking particle. It highlights 堪忍 as the main subject of the statement: “as for patience” / “patience is…”

3．一生（いっしょう, isshou） This noun means “one’s whole life,” “a lifetime.” It indicates the long‑term scope of the statement.

4．の（no） A possessive or linking particle. It connects 一生 and 宝, forming the phrase “a treasure of one’s life.”

5．宝（たから, takara）

This noun means “treasure,” “valuable thing,” or “precious asset.” It expresses something deeply beneficial or worthy.

堪忍は一生の宝 = “Patience is a lifelong treasure.” = “Forbearance is something that enriches your entire life.” The phrase teaches that patience is not merely a virtue in the moment, but a quality that brings lasting value throughout one’s life. As Japanese people, we often hold the belief that endurance itself is a virtue. But that doesn’t mean we enjoy enduring hardship or making sacrifices. It’s a contradiction, isn’t it? Since I’m Japanese as well, whenever something difficult happens or when I face something that brings me little benefit, I remind myself, “This is for building virtue, for building virtue,” and carry on.

-----

本日の一言は、「堪忍は一生の宝」です。 日本人らしい考えとして、我慢こそが美徳であるという思想があります。 しかし、日本人が我慢や犠牲が好きだというわけではありません。 矛盾していますよね。 私も日本人なので、たまに起こる大変なことや、自分にとってさほど利益のないことは、「徳積み、徳積み」と思うことにしています。

[japanese-lol]

Today's phrase is "冷静に判断する（reisei ni handansuru）".

【Vocabulary & Grammar】

1．冷静（れいせい, reisei） This noun/adjectival noun means “calm,” “composed,” or “cool‑headed.” It describes a mental state free from emotional disturbance.

2．に（ni） A particle that turns 冷静 into an adverbial phrase. Here it means “in a calm manner” or “calmly.”

3．判断（はんだん, handan） A noun meaning “judgment,” “decision,” or “assessment.” It refers to the act of evaluating a situation.

4．する（suru） A verb meaning “to do.” When attached to 判断, it forms the verb phrase 判断する meaning “to judge” or “to make a decision.”

「冷静に判断する」 = “to judge calmly” = “to make a composed, level‑headed decision.” The phrase emphasizes evaluating a situation without emotional bias, maintaining clarity and balance. How many people truly believe they can always make calm, level‑headed judgments? As for me, I’m the type who often moves first by instinct or intuition. If there are any tips for becoming better at making calm decisions, I would really like to learn them.

-----

本日の一言は、「冷静に判断する」です。 自分は、常に冷静に判断ができていると思う人は、どのくらいいますか。 私は、本能や直感で先に動いてしまう人です。 冷静な判断ができるようになるコツがあれば、ぜひ教えてほしいです。

[japanese-lol]

Today's phrase is "貧しい心から去れ（mazushii kokoro kara sare）".

1．貧しい（まずしい, mazushii） This adjective means “poor,” “impoverished,” or “lacking.” Here it describes the quality of the heart, not material poverty. It conveys a sense of spiritual or emotional narrowness.

2．心（こころ, kokoro） This noun means “heart,” “mind,” or “spirit.” It functions as the object of the verb 去れ.

3．から（kara） A particle meaning “from.” It indicates the starting point or source from which something departs. Here it means “from the heart.”

4．去れ（され, sare） This is the imperative form of the classical verb 去る, meaning “to leave” or “to depart.” “去れ” expresses a strong command: “leave” / “go away.”

「貧しい心から去れ」 = “Depart from a poor heart.” = “Leave behind a narrow or impoverished spirit.” The phrase encourages someone (often oneself) to step away from a mindset of emotional poverty—such as resentment, envy, or small‑mindedness—and move toward a more generous, open heart.

-----

本日の一言は、「貧しい心から去れ」です。 みなさんの心は、どのような状態ですか。 お金持ちも確かに素敵ですが、心も豊かな人になりたいですね。

[japanese-lol]

Today's phrase is "是是非非（zezehihi）".

【Vocabulary & Grammar】

1．是是非非（ぜぜひひ, zezehihi） This is a four‑character compound meaning “right and wrong,” “pros and cons,” “justice and injustice,” or “evaluating matters fairly.” It refers to judging things based on correctness rather than emotion or personal bias.

「是是非非」expresses the concept of judging things fairly, distinguishing what is right from what is wrong, and considering matters with impartial reasoning. We human beings find it difficult to make judgments without emotion. Sometimes, doing so even brings pain. Still, let us remember that what is “right” is not always right in every situation.

-----

本日の一言は、「是是非非」です。 私たちは、感情抜きで判断を下すことが難しい生き物です。 時に、痛みを伴うこともあります。 ただ、”正しいこと”は、いつも正しいわけではないことも心に留めておきましょう。

[japanese-lol]

Today's phrase is "人には各任あり（hito niwa kakunin ari）".

1．人（ひと, hito） This noun means “person” or “people.” It functions as the subject of the sentence.

2．には（niwa） This is a combination of two particles: に (ni): indicates the target or recipient は (wa): topic marker Together, には emphasizes “for each person” or “as for each person.”

3．各任（かくにん, kakunin） This noun is classical and means “each person’s assigned duty,” “individual role,” or “personal responsibility.” It expresses the idea that every person has their own task or role.

4．あり（ari） This is the classical form of the verb ある, meaning “to exist.” Here it means “there is” or “each person has.”

「人には各任あり」means “Each person has their own role.” = “Everyone has their own responsibility or duty.” It expresses the idea that every individual has a unique task or purpose assigned to them.

-----

本日の一言は、「人には各任あり」です。 みなさんの担当は何ですか。 表で目立つ方の役割ですか。 それとも、裏方の方が得意ですか。 リーダーになることは、責任もあり、恰好いいですが、誰かを支える副リーダーの方が向いている人もいます。 あなたはどちらのタイプでしょうか。

[japanese-lol]

Today's phrase is "不足を言うまい（fusoku o iu mai）".

【Vocabulary & Grammar】

1．不足（ふそく, fusoku） This noun means “lack,” “shortage,” or “insufficiency.” It refers to something one feels is missing or inadequate.

2．を（o） This particle marks 不足 as the direct object of the verb. It shows what is being “said” or “complained about.”

3．言う（いう, iu） This verb means “to say,” “to speak,” or “to complain.” In this phrase, it carries the nuance of voicing dissatisfaction.

4．まい（mai） A classical auxiliary verb expressing strong negative intention. It corresponds to “will not,” “shall not,” or “should not.”

「不足を言うまい」means “I shall not complain about what I lack.” The phrase expresses a firm resolve not to voice dissatisfaction and encourages restraint and composure.

-----

本日の一言は、「不足を言うまい」です。 期待外れのことがあると、ついつい口に出してしまいます。 しかし、それが相手にとって一生懸命行ったことだとしたら…？ その後に起こり得ることを考えると、恐ろしいですね。 素直な気持ちを伝えることも大事ですが、心に留めておく言葉も見極めましょう。