self-deprecation; self-derision; self-mockery; laughing at oneself
uh-huh; mm-hmm; with a moan; with a groan
to bend one's head slightly to one side; to look slightly doubtful
how; in what way; in what manner
Mr.; Mrs.; Miss; politeness marker
activity (esp. energetic); great efforts; conspicuous service; to flourish; to participate actively; to play an active role
to be lucky; to be in luck; to be attached; to have; to be included
safe; secure; certainly; surely; no thanks; I'm good
embarrassed; feeling ashamed; feeling awkward
languorous; weary; listless; somber; sombre; gloomy
to be frowned on; to invite frowns of disapproval; to displease (people); to disgust
interest (in something); enthusiasm
to leak out (a secret); to be exposed (a lie, improper behaviour, etc.); to be found out; to get away (of fish)
some; few; somewhat; to a certain extent; (arch.) many; (arch.) a lot
drop of water; vessel for replenishing inkstone water
straight; quickly; quietly; gently; to feel refreshed; to feel satisfied
center; centre; middle; -centered; -centred; -focused
(social) position; status
our country; our land; one's own country
gender; distinction of sex; sex
virtuous mind; good intentions; good will; positive mindset; bona fides; good faith
place; situation; position; location
natural; reasonable; obvious; usual; common; ordinary
society; the world; the times
to make someone realize (e.g. their mistake); to bring (something) home to someone; to teach someone a lesson
popularity; public favor; condition (e.g. market); tone; character
to lean (to one side); to incline; to be unbalanced (e.g. diet); to be unduly weighted towards; to be partial; to be biased
top star (esp. male lead role in the all-female Takarazuka musical theater troupe); major celebrity
same; similar; (just) like; equal
wise; sagacious; intelligent; sensible
yearning; longing; aspiration; adoration; admiration
younger brother; little brother; brother-in-law (spouse's younger brother or younger sister's husband); (arch.) pupil; (arch.) apprentice
sales message; sales copy
effect; effectiveness; efficacy; effects (e.g. sound effects, visual effects, special effects)
sorrow; grief; anguish; trouble; affliction; anxiety
to load (a gun, etc.); to charge; to put into (e.g. emotion, effort); to include (e.g. tax in a sales price); to hang over; to shroud
absent-mindedly; vacantly; idly; in a whisper
(not) ever; (not) by any means; (not) in the least; (not) in any way; (not) at all
to whine; to make feeble complaints
as a matter of fact; to tell the truth
advance (into a new market or stage of progress); launching (a new career or venture); expanding (into a new market); stepping forward; emerging
insurrection; rebellion; revolt; riot; uprising
event; affair; incident; case; plot; trouble