to pick a fight; to find fault
blunt; to the point; direct; outspoken; frank
in conflict; incompatible; out of harmony; running counter; mutually exclusive; clashing with
flag; banner (administrative division of Inner Mongolia)
just; right; pure; genuine; truth
the Dragon (fifth sign of the Chinese zodiac); hour of the Dragon (around 8am, 7-9am, or 8-10am); east-southeast; third month of the lunar calendar
to entertain; to make welcome
stepping back; drawing back
support; backing; endorsement; support; holding up; propping
a little bit; a little while
reflection; reconsideration; introspection; regret; repentance; remorse
other side; opposite side; other party
ability to get things done
piece (in shogi, chess, etc.); (arch.) horse; (arch.) foal; bridge (of a violin, etc.)
never (even in error); never, ever; never, no matter what happens; by no means
troubled face; worried expression
awfully; frightfully; desperately; violently; unduly; extremely
delightful; joyous; joyful; happy; desirable; welcome
meanwhile; in the meantime; by the same token; in contrast
watchful waiting; careful supervision
time for ...; time to ...; good opportunity to ...; season
imperious; proud; heavy (nasal breathing)
indicates concession or compromise; indicates permission
rule; regulation; settlement; conclusion; habit; custom
dress; outfit; getup; to dress oneself; to outfit oneself
to burn; to scorch; to singe; to char
going out; outing; leaving (one's home, office, etc.)
as everyone knows; needless to point out
disaster; accident; shipwreck; distress
collapsing in the street (from exhaustion, illness, etc.); falling dead in the street; person lying dead in the street
objet d'art; item of artwork; object; curio
floor; stage (for the narrator and the shamisen player); dining platform built across a river
arrow (symbol); (romantic) interest (for a certain person); direction (of one's attention, etc.)
to rise to the surface; to come to the front; to emerge (e.g. from obscurity); to stand out (e.g. against a dark background)