stealthily; secretly; in secret
to make a fist; to clench one's fist
still; much more; (not) yet; still a long way to go; still a long way off; not there yet
clanging (of a bell); jangling; ding-dong; continuously; incessantly; one after another
doubt; question; suspicion; dubiousness
mumbling; chewing one's words; chewing (food); squirming; wriggling
to challenge to (a fight, game, etc.); to throw down the gauntlet; to tackle (e.g. a problem); to attempt; to pressure (someone) for sex; to make advances to
to listen again; to ask again
more or less; though not quite satisfactorily; tentatively; for the time being; just in case; once
whispering; subdued; murmuring; dry and tasteless
junior high school; middle school; lower secondary school
was it?; I think it was ...; if I've got it right; (I, we) used to ...; I remember ...; it was ...
splendid; nice; sufficient; fine (in the sense of "I'm fine"); well enough; OK
national convention; national competition; national athletic meet
overall victory; championship
sure; certain; reliable; trustworthy; If I'm not mistaken; If I remember correctly
buzz; hum; shake (with vigor); shaking
medium; average; moderation; middle school; China; volume two (of three); during (a certain time when one did or is doing something)
south wind tile; winning hand with a pung (or kong) of south wind tiles
good fortune; happiness; blessing; good luck
as one would expect; just as you'd expect (from); still; all the same; even ... (e.g. "even a genius")
to stick in one's throat; to choke on something
noted family; noble family; prestigious school, organization, business, etc.
corresponding to (in meaning, function, etc.); being equivalent to; appropriate; suitable; to be proportionate to; to be in keeping with
excitement; stimulation; agitation; arousal
not all bad; not as dissatisfied (or annoyed) as one would have others believe
very interesting; of absorbing interest; having a keen interest (in); being immensely curious (about)
wasteful; a waste; too good; more than one deserves; impious; profane
to be frugal; to be sparing; to value; to hold dear; to regret (e.g. a loss); to feel sorry (for)
to stare back at; to look back at
to not give in; to be obstinate; to be stubborn; to be perverse
very interesting; of great interest
to lend an ear; to hearken; to give an ear to; to listen carefully
nature; natural; spontaneous; naturally; spontaneously
mouth; lips; shape of the mouth; near an entrance; vicinity of an entrance
to loosen; to slacken; to relax (attention, efforts, etc.); to let down (one's guard); to relax (a rule); to ease (e.g. restrictions)
to be much obliged (to someone); to receive favor (favour); to be indebted; to be grateful
the person in question; prominent figure; distinguished person; that person
chance; start; cue; excuse; motive; impetus
aid; assistance; help; cheering; rooting (for); support
Hokkaido (island, prefectural-level administrative unit)
being settled quickly; reaching a quick conclusion; no need to say any more; no problem
very; extremely; excessively
good story; heartwarming story; good prospect (e.g. marriage, business)
in some way or other; one way or another; somehow; only just; barely
how many people; a number of people