standard language (used in government, education, etc.); standard Japanese
to be helpful; to be useful
encounter; being confronted with (e.g. difficulty); meeting with (e.g. accident)
older sister; elder sister
outstanding talent; person of exceptional talent; gifted person
the front (of a battlefield); forefront
to weigh on one's mind; to be worried about (something)
what with this and that; for a number of reasons
efforts; exertion; endeavour; assistance; services
one's heart's desire; one's dearest wish
negligence; neglect; carelessness; procrastination
to collect (debts); to dun; to appoint; to promote; to emphasize; to focus on
important matter; requirement; requisite; necessary condition
suddenly; at once; considerably; very much; firmly; with an effort
sentiment; sentimentality
brilliant achievement; spectacular feat; splendid accomplishment; remarkable deed
to meet; to face someone; to co-star; to appear together; to be matched; to face against
special; particular; peculiar; unique
-ian (e.g. Italian); -ite (e.g. Tokyoite); -er (e.g. performer, etc.); person working with ...; man; person
ironclad rule; inviolable rule; invariable principle; iron law
tug of war (orig. a form of divination to predict whether the year will be favourable or unfavourable); forward puller (of a rickshaw)
association of like-minded people
national convention; national competition; national athletic meet
how many years; how long; what year
to disagree; to dispute; to fight (over)
without change; as is; just like; extremely similar; immediately; just after
cheering group; cheering squad
plump; rotund; chubby; entirely; completely; wholly
bond; bill; certificate; security
television; TV; TV program; TV programme; TV broadcast
nation-wide hookup; nationwide broadcast
name; given name; title; fame; renown; pretext
to stream; to flow (liquid, time, etc.); to be washed away; to be carried; to drift; to float (e.g. clouds); to sweep (e.g. rumour, fire)
opportunity; chance; folding; fold; small food box (wooden or cardboard); folding in ... (two, three, etc.); counter for folded items
humour; humor; safety; health; in a good mood; in high spirits
to work hard; to make an effort