#wasabijpn

[wasabijpn]

Today’s featured word is 雪崩（nadare）which means "avalanche". Japan is a mountainous country and has seen lots of snowfall in the past few weeks, so of course, avalanches can be an issue here. Has it snowed in your country yet?

[wasabijpn]

This week’s featured expression is “猫舌” (ねこじた, “nekojita”). This word composed of the kanji 猫 (“neko”, meaning cat) 舌 (“shita”, which becomes “jita” after that first kanji, meaning tongue) could be literally translated as “cat tongue”. It is used for people sensitive to hot foods and drinks! Have you ever heard of this expression? Do you also happen to have a cat tongue? 

[wasabijpn]

This week’s featured word is 梅酒 (うめしゅ), “umeshu”! Using the kanjis 梅 (that we already know from last week word, tsuyu!) meaning “plum” and 酒, meaning “alcohol”, umeshu is the liquor made from unripe plum with added sugar. It is known for his sweet taste, and has between 10 to 15% alcohol. It is mostly drunk straight or on-the-rocks, but also in cocktails with soda!

And you, have you ever tried umeshu?

[wasabijpn]

Did you know that… In December 1997, an episode of the famous anime Pokemon got almost 700 Japanese children on their way to hospital because of a rapidly-strobing technique that flashed on the screen? The lights caused some kids to pass out, and some even had seizures.