Vocabulary

household head; master; host (e.g. of a tea gathering); innkeeper; owner (e.g. of a hotel)

low interest rate

made of iron

astronomy

astronomical observatory

raindrops; falling drop of water

contagious disease; communicable disease; transmissible disease; infectious disease; epidemic

fields (of rice and other crops)

paint; coating; varnish

(unlikely event of) emergency; the worst(-case scenario); 10000 to 1

(sense of) taste; palate

before it happens; previously

civil administration; civil government

sleep; sleeping

apathetic; indifferent; nonchalant; callous

regret; chagrin; mortification

famous picture; masterpiece (painting)

cheerful; bright

dismissal; sacking; discharge

tax exemption; duty exemption

face; honour; honor; reputation; prestige; dignity

imitation

guide dog; seeing-eye dog

destination (one is heading towards); goal

to enquire; to inquire; to seek information

town hall

pharmacy; drugstore; chemist's (shop)

ghost; specter; spectre; apparition; phantom

significant; useful; meaningful; worthwhile; valuable; of interest

beneficial; profitable; useful; helpful; instructive

to remain; to be left over; to be in excess; to be too many

ovum; ovule; egg cell

returning home to one's parents (orig. of a married person); visiting one's parents (for a prolonged period of stay)

takeoff

reserving; withholding

compatibility; coexistence; standing together

mass production

emphasis; stress; main point; importance

exceptional; unusual

manners; courtesy; etiquette