(oral) message; declaration; hearsay; rumour; rumor
withering of vegetation in winter; winter decay; winter-blight; bleakness of winter; business slump in winter (esp. in February)
scrubbing hard; scrubbing clean
to pant (while rushing); to gasp; to puff and blow
gasping for breath; puffing and panting; wheezing
to talk oneself hoarse; to shout oneself hoarse
guidance; leading; induction; introduction; incitement; inducement
surrounding at a distance
wall of people; crowd of people lined up (e.g. spectators); throng of people
being outnumbered (e.g. in a military context)
chink in the armor (armour)
flash (of light); glint; swift strike; quick decisive move
to take a step backward; to retreat a step; to back up
to finish off; to ensure (something) is dead; to put an end to; to deliver the final blow; to be the best for A
somehow; without knowing (it); unconsciously; unthinkingly
quick-witted and agile; keen and nimble
Hitachi (former province located in the major part of present-day Ibaraki Prefecture)
rude person; villain; blackguard; scoundrel; rogue; libertine
(using) one's whole body; (putting in) all one's efforts; (exerting) all one's energies
samurai's compassion; samurai-like mercy
pleading; entreaty; supplication; petition
killing of a commoner by a samurai as punishment for disrespectful conduct
equality (esp. of status); equal footing; equal terms
learning by watching others; learning by imitation; following by example
to fall completely silent; to become still as death
coin of the smallest value; poorly-minted coin
from the bottom of one's heart; heartily; sincerely
interlude (in traditional Japanese music); chanting or clapping along (during a song or dance); interjection
to gasp for air; to pant; to be out of breath
previous day; day before; eve; prior day; preceding day
device; instrument; vessel; container; ability; capacity
amorous; sexy; voluptuous; erotic
to keep (something) a secret; to keep hidden (forever); to continue to conceal
to have tears in one's eyes; to be moved to tears
women's bridal robe with trailing skirts worn over a kimono
unswept hairdo originating in the mid-eighteenth century (now popular at traditional weddings)
celebratory drink; celebratory spirits; holiday cheer
mental preparedness; being braced for; being steeled for
kitchen maid; kitchen duties; cooking