Life is interesting because it is full of ‘ki-do-ai-raku.’ That is delight-anger-sorrow-fun. Japanese is a fascinating language because it has some exceptional phrases. In this post, we have mentioned 3 Japanese delightfully strange expressions. Master these expressions and use them casually to sound like a native.
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Phrase #1: Nodo Kara Te Ga Deru (English Translation: My hand is coming out of my throat)
Ever faced a situation when you really want something and feel that you will die if you do not get that? Well, this is the phrase you may use to convey that feeling. The expression comes from a time when food was scarce and people were dying because of hunger. However, now-a-days, it is used to refer to anything that you desperately want. For example: If you really want a pair of shoes, you may say, “Ano kutsu, nodo kara te ga deru hodo hoshi,” which means that I want those shoes so much that my hand is coming out of my mouth.
Phrase #2: Imo Wo Arau Yō (Like washing potatoes)
Everybody dislikes to be caught in a large crowd that they can barely squeeze through. Japanese understand the feeling and know exactly which phrase to use to describe the emotions. Considering the crowd and crowded situation in Japan, it is no surprise that Japanese have come up with this expression. The phrase comes from an old practice of washing lots of potatoes in a barrel. It is assumed that these potatoes somewhat look like crowd in a subway or station.
Phrase #3: Me No Naka Ni Iretemo Itaku Nai (It won’t hurt to put him/her inside my eye)
Well, literally, it will hurt if you try to put something/someone in your eye. However, this phrase is used when you find someone/something so attractive that you would like to keep them close. You may use the Japanese phrase ‘Me No Naka Ni Iretemo Itaku Nai,’ which means that so-and-so is very attractive or cute that it won’t hurt to put him/her in your eye. Although, you cannot attempt it literally, it is definitely a fascinating expression.
Final Thoughts
So, what do you think of these Japanese expressions? And, by all means, do let us know if there are others you think should be on our list.
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