Vocabulary

having completely different natures and being incompatible with each other; like oil and water; ice and (charcoal) fire cannot coexist

to swallow (e.g. a story); to accept without questioning

one cannot understand even a holy man's teachings without study; one cannot know the abilities of a great man without putting him to use; one cannot know the delicious taste of fine food without eating it

a swan among ducklings; a diamond among stones; a great figure among the common run of men

something that looks difficult but actually isn't; swimming in a cold lake during mid-winter seems difficult, but it's nothing to a kappa

if you don't mind; if you like; if you feel up for it; if you're interested

having a happy and harmonious relationship (of a husband and wife)

avarice brings doom upon oneself; grasp all, lose all; the greedy hawk-eagle splits in half (when trying to catch two boars at once)

to protect against the elements; to shelter oneself from the weather

to continue; to keep going; to go along (e.g. with some trend)

following the desires of one's own heart without transgressing what is right

to wait for a good opportunity; to come down on the right side of the fence; to see which way the cat jumps; to wait and see at Horagatoge

to reveal one's true colors

filial piety begins with not harming one's own body (as one's entire body was given by one's parents)

close acquaintance; relationship where two people are close enough to use familiar language

thumb-marked; well-used; well-thumbed; well-handled

true love; deep love; love for someone so deep that it can reach a crow perched on that person's roof

a broken relationship can never be repaired; a divorced couple are never reconciled; a broken mirror will never shine again

to no one in particular

to be related by blood

when the right conditions are fulfilled, things will turn out well on their own; a sunken place will collect water

to take to heart; to keep in mind; to bear in mind

to do as one wishes; to suit one's convenience

please understand (that ...); please bear in mind (that ...)

scholarship and swordsmanship are one and the same; the literary and the military are the same path

the person in question

being ready to drink sake by the keg; drinking like a fish

exactly the same; exactly as is; without any change

incorrigible; dogged

not completely unthinkable; not impossible

to be able to see far into the distance; to have good long-distance vision

to feel compassion towards; to be swayed by emotion; to be moved by

earthrise

to be distracted

before and after (e.g. photos)

unpleasant; revolting; repulsive; gross; disgusting; disturbing

unprincipled; inconstant; unscrupulous

party in full swing; party at its peak

rainy spells just before the rainy season

ready (to do); willing