Your current location:HOME >health >VOX POPULI: Contrary to forecasts, spring hasn’t quite sprung yet 正文
TIME:2024-05-21 17:19:47 Source: Internet compilationEdit:health
The Japanese word for spring, “haru,” has a really light and cheerful ring to it.But what if the wor
The Japanese word for spring, “haru,” has a really light and cheerful ring to it.
But what if the word were “baru” and not “haru”? The difference is almost negligible, but the image of the season we get may differ greatly between the two.
I once came across a Japanese linguistic study claiming that any word containing a syllable with the “dakuten” diacritic, or “voice mark,” gives an impression of being “heavy.”
The study also posited that the more syllables a noun contains, the “stronger” it sounds.
Perhaps that explains why “haru” sounds light and airy--the opposite of heavy and strong.
In Korean, the word for spring is pronounced “pom." This, too, gives a lighthearted and soft impression.
As for the English “spring,” it sounds--well, bouncy. No surprise: Synonyms of “spring” include “leap” and “jump.” One associates these words with a feeling of anticipation for the start of something new.
In reality, however, spring as a season is obviously not all mild and pleasant. On the contrary, the weather can be outright rough and nasty, with cold rains and gusty winds.
“March comes in like a lion, out like a lamb” is a famous British saying.
In Japan, the “higan” equinoctial week ends on March 23.
According to weather forecasts, the mild winter we had this year was supposed to be followed by an early arrival of spring. But we still need warm jackets. It is as if spring is now being sullen and mean, having taken offense at being told off, “You’re too early.”
A haiku by Fusei Tomiyasu (1885-1979) goes to the effect, “Time has passed/ For all I know/ higan is already over.”
Gazing up at cherry blossom buds that don’t seem to be opening any time soon, I murmur to myself: Come quickly, mild and warm spring.
--The Asahi Shimbun, March 23
* *
*Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.
'Constantly learning' Imanaga off to impressive start with the Chicago Cubs2024-05-21 17:13
How to make sure your leftovers are safe to eat2024-05-21 16:28
Chubby Hearts Hong Kong: Gov't gave HK$7.8 million for installation2024-05-21 16:25
Petrobras reports net profit of BRL 124.6 bi in 20232024-05-21 15:56
Ohio judge to rule Monday on whether the state’s abortion ban stands2024-05-21 15:45
3 Body Problem: Lawyer sentenced to death for Lin Qi murder2024-05-21 15:32
Media Minister had 'more than enough time' to find solutions2024-05-21 15:20
3 Body Problem: Lawyer sentenced to death for Lin Qi murder2024-05-21 15:06
NBA playoffs: Edwards leads Wolves to 982024-05-21 14:37
'Devil in the details' when considering biofuels2024-05-21 14:36
Storms damage homes in Oklahoma and Kansas. But in Houston, most power is restored2024-05-21 17:00
Wellington workforce reeling from public service job cuts2024-05-21 16:57
UN suspends aid movements at night in Gaza2024-05-21 16:32
Ministers announce advisory group for fast2024-05-21 15:45
Four people killed in a house explosion in southwestern Missouri2024-05-21 15:43
Trump ordered to end attacks on judge's family in hush money case2024-05-21 15:35
Tourism in Brazil up 7.8% in 20232024-05-21 15:26
Samoa citizenship bill passes first hurdle in Parliament with help of ACT and NZ First2024-05-21 15:16
Bella Hadid goes braless in a thigh2024-05-21 15:08
Ministers announce advisory group for fast2024-05-21 14:46