several people; a few people
hanging low (over); hovering around (price level); low hanging (e.g. clouds); sluggish (e.g. economy); slump; recession
light; well-lit; bright (of a colour); brightly-coloured; cheerful; bright; encouraging (for the future of a project, etc.)
promise; agreement; arrangement; something expected or predictable (e.g. running gag); typical or clichéd development (in a story); something considered obligatory or guaranteed (in a certain situation)
measure; step; dealing with; medical treatment
with all due respect; if I may make bold to ask
several; a number of; quantity; amount; counting; figures; number
as soon as possible; ASAP; even a little early
beginning; start; first (in line, etc.); origin; such as ...; not to mention ...
grandfather (may be used after name as honorific); male senior-citizen (may be used after name as honorific)
grandmother; old woman; female senior citizen
to take seriously; to take someone at their word; to believe (to be true)
present condition; existing state; status quo; current state
there's no (other) way; cannot be helped; unavoidable; it's no use (doing); pointless; hopeless (person)
somewhere; anywhere; in some respects
to notice; to recognize; to recognise; to become aware of; to perceive; to realize
idea; plan; fancy; impulse; thought; whim
serious; earnest; real sword (as opposed to a wooden practice weapon)
like-mindedness; (being of the) same mind; shared sentiment; comrade; fellow; kindred soul
(short) curtain hung at shop entrance; split curtain used to divide spaces in a house; reputation (of a store); good name; goodwill
failed creative work; flop; dud; bomb
cord used to tuck up the sleeves of a kimono; sash (worn across chest, e.g. by election candidate or relay runners); wrapper band on books, CDs, etc.
the one before last; two generations, etc. previous
to sit cross-legged; to rest on one's laurels
to inherit; to succeed; to take over
progress; advance; improvement; development
to entrust (someone) with; to leave (a matter) with someone; to have someone deliver (a message, parcel, etc.); to send (through someone); to use (something) to express (one's feelings, opinion, etc.); to express in the form of (something)
cannot (due to external circumstances); cannot afford to; must not; impossible to; no way one can (do)
each (person); individually; one by one; one at a time; in turn
to connect; to link together; to tie; to fasten; to maintain; to preserve
to chip; to be chipped; to be missing (from a set, team, etc.); to be absent; to be lacking (in); to be short (of)
one's dearest wish; Buddha's vow to save humanity
one's own discretion (idea, responsibility)
to bear; to carry on one's back; to take responsibility for; to accept a duty; to receive (wound); to incur (damage)
cloth; fabric; dough; batter; inherent quality; one's true character; unglazed pottery
to be truant; to slack off; to play hooky; to skip school; to cut class; to skip out
promptly; immediately; quickly; indifferently
principal occupation; core business
(one's) quota; assignment
dear (old); fondly-remembered; beloved; missed; nostalgic
splendid; fine; praiseworthy; creditable; legal; legitimate