bamboo sword (for kendo); bamboo fencing stick; bamboo sword
to be working hard; to be doing one's best
elevation; rise; improvement; advancement; progress
as a child; when one was a child
refreshingly; with a feeling of relief; pleasantly; (wearing, etc. something) elegantly; smartly; stylishly
novice; greenhorn; squirt; worthless person
to exercise one's talent; to display one's ability
good story; heartwarming story; good prospect (e.g. marriage, business)
indifferent; half-hearted; dispirited; listless
with a complacent smile; with a smile of satisfaction
feeling sick; feeling queasy; feeling nauseated; being angry; being offended; being disgusted
seducer; smooth talker; picking up women; hitting on women; moderate party; moderate
distinguished family; famous family; noble family; prestigious organization (company, school, etc.)
combat; battle; action; active service; actual fighting
had better ...; had better not ...
(relative) length; advantages and disadvantages; pluses and minuses; strong and weak points
to go smoothly; to turn out well; to do the trick; to have peaceful relations
right side; right-hand side
to spin vigorously; to wave around (e.g. sword, bat)
to feel like it; to get to think that way; to become so minded
mental condition; state of mind; mentality
to be boiled down; to come to a standstill; to reach an impasse; to approach a conclusion (of a discussion, investigation, etc.)
excellent answer; clever answer
how (beautiful, tasty, etc.); what a ...; nothing worth mentioning; nothing special; of what name
no matter how you put it; whatever the circumstances may be; say what you like; no matter how you look at it
special training; intensive training; crash course
best one could ask for; just what one wants; welcome (news); heaven-sent
to jostle; to crowd; to haggle
suddenly; in a flash; rapidly; nimbly; alertly
driving; pounding in; falling badly in love; putting (one's heart) into; step recording (in electronic or computer music)
abandonment; giving up; bargain sale; selling off cheaply; edge (e.g. of an architectural member); boundary
three (long cylindrical things); three-of-a-kind (in a dealt hand)
to take (something) along; to bring with one; to carry (something) away; to bear
one's normal condition; one's usual state; keynote (esp. shamisen); proper key
to be obsessive (about); to be overly concerned (with); to be particular (about); to pay special attention (to); to get stuck; to be obstructed
sponsorship (i.e. conducting under one's auspices); promotion; organizing; organising; hosting; staging
academic year; school year; year in school; grade in school
sensual love; love affair
uninterested (in); having no interest (in)
manly; masculine; like a man
vigorously; with great force; energetically; enthusiastically; with spirit