February 3rd was setsubun in Japan. The day that marks the end of winter and is followed by the beginning of spring. Listen as Yumi tells us a little bit about how this special occasion is celebrated in Japan. KEY VOCABULARY: 節分(せつぶん) last day of winter in the traditional Japanese calendar 立春(りっしゅん) first day of spring in the traditional Japanese calendar 季節(きせつ)の変(か)わり目(め) time of change of seasons; time when season changes 邪気(じゃき) evil spirit; misfortune; bad vibes that cause illness or other misfortune 　　煎(い)る roast (beans) 願(ねが)い事(ごと) one’s wish; one’s desire; prayer 叶(かな)う come true; (wish) be answered 風習(ふうしゅう) traditional custom in a regional/ tribal culture 販売(はんばい)を始(はじ)める launch sales 保育園(ほいくえん) nursery school and preschool (usually combined) 大泣(おおな)きする cry one’s eyes out; cry hard 幼児虐待(ようじぎゃくたい) child abuse かわいそうになる feel sorry (for someone) 伝統行事(でんとうぎょうじ) traditional event 相対的(そうたいてき) relative 絶対(ぜったい) definite For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-122 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-122-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

Transcript

Related