in a subdued voice; in undertones; in a whisper; dry and tasteless; stale
kitchen door; back door; service door; host's entrance to a tea-ceremony room
after a short while; not long after; soon; before long; shortly thereafter
to take along; to hold in the hand; to hang (e.g. from the shoulder or waist)
round; tranquil; contentedly at ease
exactly; precisely; just; just (like); as if; as though
last; final; end; conclusion; rust
to harden; to solidify; to become firm; to become certain; to gather (together); to assemble
housewife; mistress (of the house); homemaker
showy; loud; flashy; gaudy
young; youthful; immature; green; low (number); small
pride (in one's achievements, possessions, etc.); self-praise; boast
at one's feet; underfoot; gait; pace; most recent; current
shh!; sh!; shush!; shoo!; go away!
exhaled air; exhalation; expiration
to leak out; to escape; to find expression; to give vent; to leak out; to be divulged
floor; stage (for the narrator and the shamisen player); dining platform built across a river
lack of physical exercise; insufficient exercise; inactivity
cancellation; liquidation; resolution; reduction (e.g. of stress)
to take lessons in; to be taught; to learn (from a teacher); to study (under a teacher); to get training in
(young) hoodlum; delinquent boy; small-time yakuza; brat; little shit
humming a tune (while doing something else)
trampling down; overrunning; infringement; violation
ability; competency; talent; skill; capacity
date (with someone); (social) outing (for two); date night; date (day)
trio; gang of three; threesome
to keep in pace with; to keep up with; to follow (someone's thought); to understand
after a long time; for the first time in a while
reaction; response; reaction
suppression (of a riot, revolt, etc.); repression; putting down; quelling
without hesitation; with great optimism; (pushing or pulling) strongly; (drinking) heavily
mind; spirit; attitude; mentality; spirit (of a matter); essence