Glossary
Dango (だんご)
Sweet rice flour balls, a popular traditional Japanese snack often enjoyed on skewers during hanami picnics.
Example:
Many people bring colorful dango skewers to share while enjoying the cherry blossoms during hanami.
Ginkakuji (銀閣寺)
Known as the Silver Pavilion, this dark wooden temple in Kyoto is a prime example of wabi-sabi aesthetics. Its beauty is found in its understated design and natural integration.
Example:
Students often study Ginkakuji to understand how simplicity and natural elements contribute to Japanese beauty standards.
Hana yori dango (花よりだんご)
A Japanese phrase meaning 'dumplings over flowers,' playfully teasing those who prioritize food and practical enjoyment over appreciating the aesthetic beauty of the flowers.
Example:
My friend always heads straight for the food at the festival, truly embodying the spirit of hana yori dango.
Hanami (花見)
The traditional Japanese custom of flower viewing, primarily enjoying the beauty of cherry blossoms (sakura) during spring. It is a time for social gatherings, picnics, and appreciating nature's fleeting beauty.
Example:
During Hanami, families and friends gather under blooming cherry trees for picnics, celebrating the arrival of spring.
Jinsei (人生)
Japanese noun meaning 'life' or 'human life.' It often appears in discussions about the transient nature of existence.
Example:
The fleeting beauty of the cherry blossoms serves as a metaphor for jinsei.
Kankō (観光)
Japanese noun meaning 'sightseeing' or 'tourism.' It is a broader term for the activity of visiting places of interest.
Example:
Many international visitors come to Japan for kankō, exploring its rich culture and beautiful landscapes.
Kantan (簡単)
Japanese adjective meaning 'easy' or 'simple.' It can describe tasks, concepts, or designs.
Example:
The instructions for assembling the model were surprisingly kantan.
Keiken (経験)
Japanese noun meaning 'experience.' It refers to knowledge or skill gained through involvement in or exposure to something.
Example:
Studying abroad was an unforgettable keiken that broadened my perspective.
Kenbutsu (見物)
Japanese noun/verb meaning 'to visit' or 'sightseeing,' often referring to visiting specific sights or attractions.
Example:
We went kenbutsu at the historic temple during our trip to Nara.
Kinkakuji (金閣寺)
Known as the Golden Pavilion, this gold-leaf-covered temple in Kyoto stands in stark contrast to wabi-sabi, representing a more opulent and extravagant aesthetic.
Example:
While visually stunning, Kinkakuji is often used to highlight what wabi-sabi is not, emphasizing its bold and flashy design.
Kuraberu (比べる)
Japanese verb meaning 'to compare.' It is often used when analyzing similarities and differences between concepts or objects.
Example:
On the exam, you might be asked to kuraberu the aesthetics of Ginkakuji and Kinkakuji.
Ninki (人気)
Japanese noun meaning 'popular' or 'popularity.' It describes something widely liked or favored.
Example:
Hanami is a very ninki event, drawing crowds from all over Japan.
Sabi (さび)
A component of wabi-sabi, referring to the beauty that comes with age, wear, and the passage of time. It often relates to natural processes or the patina of objects.
Example:
The beautiful moss growing on an old stone lantern perfectly illustrates sabi, showing the grace of time's touch.
Sakura (桜)
Cherry blossoms, which are highly symbolic in Japanese culture, representing the beauty and transience of life due to their short blooming period.
Example:
The delicate pink petals of sakura falling like snow are a poignant reminder of life's ephemeral nature.
Shizen (自然)
Japanese noun meaning 'natural' or 'nature.' It reflects the deep appreciation for the natural world in Japanese culture.
Example:
Japanese gardens often emphasize the beauty of shizen by incorporating elements like rocks, water, and plants.
Utsukushī (美しい)
Japanese adjective meaning 'beautiful.' It is used to describe things that are aesthetically pleasing.
Example:
The view from the mountain top was truly utsukushī.
Wabi (わび)
A component of wabi-sabi, referring to rustic simplicity, quietness, and understated elegance. It often relates to human-made objects or environments.
Example:
The minimalist design of a traditional Japanese tea room reflects the concept of wabi.
Wabi-Sabi (わびさび)
A Japanese aesthetic principle that finds beauty in imperfection, transience, and simplicity. It embraces naturalness, authenticity, and the signs of aging.
Example:
The cracked glaze of an antique ceramic bowl can embody wabi-sabi, revealing its unique history and character.