101 More Common Japanese Idioms
By Clay Boutwell and Yumi Boutwell
()
About this ebook
Discover 101 more Japanese idioms.
This book picks up where our first book leaves off. Eventually, this series will cover over 300 Japanese idioms in common use today.
Ever wondered what it means when your mouth is 'heavy,' how to 'use people with your chin,' or what 'grinding sesame' signifies in Japanese? Uncover the meanings behind these fascinating idioms and many more.
While this book is immensely beneficial even for beginners, hiragana and a basic understanding of Japanese sentence structure are required.
Once one zooms beyond the basics of a language, idiomatic expressions, proverbs, and slang can provide the spice to keep motivation up and progress going forward. This book will introduce 101 of the most common Japanese idioms.
We are including, at no extra charge, sound files for all the examples found in this book. Use these files to practice your pronunciation and listening.
In addition, we are also including a free Anki flashcard deck with sound of all the idioms found in the collection. Anki is a free flashcard software that will help you quickly remember these idioms.
In this edition, we've eliminated all Rōmaji (Roman letters) and limited Furigana (the small Hiragana over Kanji) to its first occurrence in each lesson. This approach may challenge beginners, but it's our way of ensuring your success in Japanese - consider it 'tough love. Our goal is your success in mastering Japanese. Early reliance on Rōmaji and Furigana can impede long-term progress.
We advocate for learning vocabulary in its proper context as the most effective method. Every idiom is followed by an example sentence and a paragraph or two explaining the context and usage.
To further support your learning journey, we're offering an exceptional collection of bonus materials:
300+ Sound Files
Anki Flashcard Deck
ePub and PDF versions of the book
For each idiom, we provide three accompanying sound files. All sound files have been recorded by native Japanese voice actors and actresses. The first sound file is the idiom itself. The second is the example sentence. The third sound file has the idiom, an English translation, the idiom repeated slowly, and the example sentence with translation. Try to mimic the Japanese speakers in sound and presentation. The download link for the complimentary sound files is located on the book's last page.
Don't wait any longer to enrich your Japanese vocabulary. Give your Japanese vocabulary a boost with 101 More Common Japanese Idioms now.
Read more from Clay Boutwell
Yonde Miyo-! Volume 2: Short and Fun Japanese Stories in Hiragana and Basic Kanji Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsYonde Miyo-! Volume 1: Short and Fun Japanese Stories in Hiragana and Basic Kanji Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsYonde Miyo-! Volume 3: Short and Fun Japanese Stories in Hiragana and Basic Kanji Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsJapanese Names: A Crash Course on Learning Japanese First and Last Names Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Sound Words in Japanese: 99 Essential Sound and Action Words in Japanese Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings101 Japanese Set Phrases and Power Words Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLearn Japanese through Haiku - Masaoka Shiki: Enjoy Japanese culture while building your vocabulary and grammar Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsKotowaza: Japanese Proverbs and Sayings Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsJapanese Grammar 100: in Plain English Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Makoto Magazine for Learners of Japanese #78 Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Karate Vocabulary: A Martial Arts Handbook of 300 Essential Japanese Terms Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsYonde Miyo-!: Short and Fun Japanese Stories in Hiragana and Basic Kanji Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsCarritos the Assassin : A Temporal Story Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLearn Japanese through Haiku - Kobayashi Issa: Enjoy Japanese culture while building your vocabulary and grammar Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLearn Japanese with Stories Volume 1: WORKBOOK Hikoichi: Exercises for Learn Japanese with Stories Volume 1 Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Akutagawa's The Trolley Cart トロッコ Japanese Reader: Journey into Intermediate Japanese with a Classic Story Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings
Related to 101 More Common Japanese Idioms
Titles in the series (3)
101 Common Japanese Idioms in Plain English Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings101 More Common Japanese Idioms Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings101 More Common Japanese Idioms Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings
Related ebooks
Yonde Miyo-! Volume 4: Short and Fun Japanese Stories in Hiragana and Basic Kanji Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Natsume Souseki: Read, Listen, and Learn with Japanese Essays on Important Historical Figures Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLearn Japanese through Dialogues - Idioms Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsMeeting and Greeting: Learn Japanese through Dialogues Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLearn Japanese through Dialogues - On a Date Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsBusiness Japanese Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsHikoichi Strikes Back: Learn Japanese with Stories Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLearn Japanese with Stories Volume 18: Kicchomu-san and the Big Rock + The Cake Shop Owner Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLearn Japanese with Stories Volume 17: Kicchomu-san and the Mouse Carving + Audio Download Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsJapanese Grammar 100: in Plain English Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Beginning Japanese Phrases: Podcast Episodes 31-60 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLearn Japanese with Stories Volume 13: Hikoichi and the Kitsune Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings101 Common Japanese Idioms in Plain English Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsBeginning Japanese Phrases: Podcast Episodes 1-30 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLearn Japanese with Stories #16: Japanese Reader Collection Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLearn Japanese with Stories Volume 14: Kicchomu-san Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLearn Japanese with Stories #12: Japanese Reader Collection Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLearn Japanese through Dialogues With Friends Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLearn Japanese with Stories #4: The Mouse Bride: The Easy Way to Read, Listen, and Learn from Japanese Folklore, Tales, and Stories Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsYonde Miyo-!: Short and Fun Japanese Stories in Hiragana and Basic Kanji Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsBeginning Conversations: Learn Japanese through Dialogues Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsYamanba, the Mountain Witch: A Japanese Reader for Upper Beginners Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsTuttle Japanese Business Dictionary Revised Edition Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Essential Japanese Phrasebook & Dictionary: Speak Japanese with Confidence! Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Makoto Magazine for Learners of Japanese #80: Makoto Magazine for Learners of Japanese, #80 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings
Japanese For You
Guide to Reading and Writing Japanese: Fourth Edition, JLPT All Levels (2,136 Japanese Kanji Characters) Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Dirty Japanese: Everyday Slang from "What's Up?" to "F*%# Off!" Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/51000 Japanese Flash Cards: For Smart Phones and E-Readers Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Japanese for Fun: A Practical Approach to Learning Japanese Quickly (Downloadable Audio Included) Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Japanese For Dummies Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Survival Japanese: How to Communicate without Fuss or Fear Instantly! (Japanese Phrasebook) Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsPeriplus Pocket Japanese Dictionary: Japanese-English English-Japanese Second Edition Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Japanese Slang: Uncensored Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Learn Japanese Vocabulary: Series Taster - English/Japanese Flashcards Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5First Steps to Mastering Japanese: Japanese Hiragana & Katagana for Beginners Learn Japanese for Beginner Students + Phrasebook Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsJapanese for Beginners: Learning Conversational Japanese - Second Edition (Includes Online Audio) Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Japanese Proverbs: Wit and Wisdom: 200 Classic Japanese Sayings and Expressions in English and Japanese text Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Learning Japanese Hiragana and Katakana: Workbook and Practice Sheets Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsJapanese Hiragana: An Introductory Japanese Language Workbook Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsRead Japanese Today: The Easy Way to Learn 400 Practical Kanji Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Beginning Conversations: Learn Japanese through Dialogues Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsKanji Alchemy I: A Strategy for Reading Japanese Characters: Kanji Alchemy, #1 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLet's Learn Japanese: First Words for Everyone Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Japanese in Depth Vol.4 Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Flying Rabbits and Blue Traffic Lights (Japanese You Didn’t Know You Wanted to Know) Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsJapanese Kanji Power: (JLPT Levels N5 & N4) A Workbook for Mastering Japanese Characters Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Reviews for 101 More Common Japanese Idioms
0 ratings0 reviews
Book preview
101 More Common Japanese Idioms - Clay Boutwell
INTRODUCTION
Ten years ago, we published 101 Common Japanese Idioms,
a book that offered more than just a collection of idioms. It provided usage notes, example sentences, vocabulary breakdowns, and sound files, enriching the auditory learning experience.
We then introduced 200 More Japanese Idioms.
However, this sequel served more as an extensive vocabulary list than its predecessor, covering 200 idioms but without the in-depth notes and examples provided in the first book.
The volume you are currently reading revisits 101 of those idioms from the second book, enriching them with example sentences and detailed explanations. The forthcoming Volume 3 will explore the next set of 101 idioms. In all, the series will completely cover 303 important Japanese idioms.
As you progress beyond the basics of the language, idiomatic expressions, proverbs, and slang become the essential elements that enhance your motivation and accelerate your learning. This book presents 101 of the most prevalent Japanese idioms, offering you a deeper connection to the language's core.
We are pleased to include a download link for two eBook versions, an Anki flashcard deck, and sound files for all the examples at no additional cost. You will find the download link on the last page.
Understanding vocabulary within its proper context is crucial for learning. Thus, each idiom is accompanied by an example sentence and detailed explanations regarding its context and usage.
There are three folders of sound files in the bonus download. One folder has all the idioms, one folder has all the example sentences, and one folder has files with the idiom and example sentence and English together. There is also a single 30 minute sound file with everything.
This book is designed for students with some knowledge of Japanese, yet beginners should not be discouraged. We provide thorough definitions and explanations of the vocabulary to ensure that learners at all levels can gain valuable insights and enjoyment from the idioms and expressions featured.
We invite you to download the sound files (link provided on the last page) to maximize the benefits of this book. Your feedback is invaluable to us. Should you have any suggestions for improving this or other books, we welcome your input.
Let's embark on this enriching journey together! Let's get started!
Clay & Yumi Boutwell

Picture 2help@thejapanshop.com
http://www.TheJapanShop.com/bundles
http://www.TheJapanesePage.com
https://www.MakotoPlus.com

A cartoon of a child pointing Description automatically generatedIdiom 1
肩かたを並ならべる
be on par with; be neck to neck with; measure up to; equal to
 image2.jpeg This idiom literally translates to to line up shoulders,
symbolizing equality or level competition in various fields. It's commonly used to describe situations where individuals, entities, or items are compared based on their abilities, strengths, or other comparable attributes. Whether it's discussing the global influence of nations, the prowess of athletes, or the popularity of artists, 肩かたを並ならべる emphasizes a close match or parity in status or quality.
黒澤明くろさわあきらと肩かたを並ならべるような映画えいが監督かんとくはいないと思おもう。
I think there is no movie director who can stand shoulder to shoulder with Kurosawa Akira.
黒澤明 Kurosawa Akira [1910-1998; Perhaps the most influential Japanese filmmaker, Kurosawa directed thirty films in a career spanning over five decades. He is best known for his films such as Seven Samurai, Ikiru, Yojimbo, and Ran.]
と to; with
肩を並べるような like matching shoulders; comparable [肩かた (shoulder) + を (object marker) + 並ならべる (to line up; to be on par with) + ような (like; as if)]
映画監督は film directors [映画えいが (film) + 監督かんとく (director) + は (topic marker)]
いない there are no [いる (to exist, for animate objects) in negative form]
と思う I think [と (quoting particle) + 思おもう (to think)]

Picture 3But he wasn’t cast for 七人しちにんの侍さむらい (Seven Samurai)
Idiom 2
肩代かたがわりする
to take over (someone's responsibility); to shoulder (someone's debt)
 image1.jpeg This idiom literally translates to to switch shoulders.
It commonly refers to assuming someone else's financial obligations, such as a debt, typically due to the original party's financial difficulties.
彼かれは病気びょうきになった父親ちちおやの仕事しごとを肩代かたがわりした。
He took over his father's job when he became ill.
彼は he [彼かれ (he) + は (topic marker)]
病気になった父親の of the father who became ill [病気びょうきになった (became ill) + 父親ちちおや (father) + の (possessive or descriptive particle)]
仕事を work [仕事しごと (work; job) + を (object marker)]
肩代わりした took over [肩代かたがわり (substitute; taking over for someone) + した (did; past tense of する, to do)]
Idiom 3
背せに腹はらはかえられない
you can't make omelets without breaking eggs; cannot do without (something) even though there is a sacrifice
 image1.jpeg This phrase literally means "the back cannot replace the