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

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