Word of the Week #8: twinkle (キラキラする)

“Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” is a famous children’s song. Stars in the sky appear to twinkle because we are looking at them through the Earth’s atmosphere. In English, usually only stars twinkle. Other things, like stickers and ribbons, sparkle....

Word of the Week #7: definitely (絶対)

“I will definitely come tomorrow.” We use “definitely” when we are absolutely certain of something. There is no doubt that it is true. It’s 100 percent impossible that we are wrong. 「明日は絶対来る。」...

Word of the Week #6: nurse (a drink)

“He has been nursing that drink all night!” To nurse a drink is to drink it little by little. Someone might nurse a drink when he does not want to drink too much alcohol, or does not want to spend much money on drinks. (It doesn’t have to be an alcoholic drink,...

Word of the Week #5: fault (過失の責任、所為)

“Whose fault was the accident?” “It was his fault!” 「事故は誰のせいだった?」「彼のせいだ!」 We use this word to lay blame on someone (or maybe something) that caused something bad to happen. It is important not to blame everything on others, but also not to blame yourself for...

Word of the Week #4: behave (振る舞う)

“Children, stop behaving like a gang of monkeys!” 「子供たち、いたずらな猿のように振る舞うのはよしなさい!」 It is important to behave politely in formal situations. Adults usually know how to behave, but children sometimes behave badly when they are bored. At an important event, parents tell...