certain; some kind of; some sort of; of sorts
authority; power; influence
maintenance; preservation; improvement
to hold the steering wheel; to drive (a car)
does not seem; unlikely; improbable
to make use of aizuchi; to back-channel; to throw in interjections to show that one is paying attention
to blow into; to breathe into; to inspire; to indoctrinate; to record (music, video, etc.)
to come to the point; to get straight to the point; to speak frankly; to speak plainly; to talk straight
person who is ignorant of the real world; (lit.) frog in a well
inadvertently; for no special reason; truthfully; unexpectedly; after realizing; without knowing
dry taste (e.g. sake, wine); a liking for sake; one who likes sake; salty (taste); harsh; scathing
criticism; critique; review; commentary
being beyond recovery; having no hope of recovery
to pass; to pass on; to give (something) a miss; to cut it out; to knock off (for the day); to let the matter drop
undulation; ups and downs; highs and lows
to cut open; to clear (land); to cut (a path, road, etc.); to carve out (a new career, future, etc.); to open up (a new field)
step; stair; grade; rank; counter for breaks in written language (or speech, etc.); dan
embankment; bank; beef sinew stewed in miso and mirin
to glitter; to glisten; to sparkle; to twinkle; to glare; to gleam
in one's own way or style
scenic; beautiful; picturesque
regional cuisine; local cuisine
to build up; to establish; to form; to become (a state); to accomplish; to achieve; to change into
deadly serious; deadly earnest
(not) in any way; in no way; at all; terribly; awfully; hopelessly
in short; the point is; the important thing is; in a word; basically
question (e.g. on a test); problem; problem (e.g. societal, political); question; question (i.e. doubt); public discussion
palatial residence; stately mansion
in deep black; in jet black
dignified appearance; majestic appearance; imposing appearance
calm; composed; leisurely
to sprawl; to lie sprawled; to stretch oneself out; to lie relaxed on one's side