We are in the process of compiling a glossary of Japanese, Korean, and Chinese words that occur in Risuko. If you have questions about any of these translations or about any words you’ve encountered in the book, please let us know!
-chan — Child
-ko — Ending meaning that the word is a girl’s name
-sama — My lady or lord (respectful)
-san — Sir or ma’am (respectful)
-senpai — Senior student (respectful)
Baka-yarou — Complete idiot (offensive)
Daikon — A large, white, mild radish
Dozo — You’re welcome (informal)
Go — A Chinese game of strategy
Hai — Yes
Hanyak — (Korean) Herbal medicine
Ichi — The number one
Katana — A samurai’s long, curved sword
Kimchee — (Korean) Pickled cabbage, often spicy
Kitsune — A mischievous, nine-tailed fox spirit
Ku or kyu — The number nine
Kumiho — (Korean) Mischievous fox spirit (similar to a kitsune)
Kunoichi — “Nine in one”; a special kind of woman
Kwan-um — (Korean) The Buddhist saint (boddhisatva) of mercy and beauty; called Kwan-yin in China and Kannon in Japan
Miko — Shrine maidens; young women who assist at Shinto festivals and ceremonies
Mochizuki — The full moon
Mogusa — Mugwort; an herbal medicine formed into pellets, burned (with the lit end away from the flesh) as a stimulant and as a way to celebrate children’s aging during the New Year festival
Mukashi, mukashi — “Long, long ago” (traditional beginning to Japanese folktales, similar to “Once upon a time”)
No — Of or from
Oka-san — Mother
Oto-san — Father
Risuko — Squirrel (a girl’s name or nickname)
Samisen — A long-necked, five-stringed instrument, similar to a guitar or banjo
Sensei or –sensei — Teacher (respectful)
Shakuhachi — A long flute carved from bamboo
Tatami — A straw mat that is traditionally used to cover floors in Japan
Torī — A large arch or gateway usually found at Shinto shrines or temples
Wakazashi — A samurai’s short sword; traditionally used for defense and for committing hara-kiri (ritual suicide)
Wihayeo — (Korean) Cheers!
Yang — (Chinese) The male force
Yin — (Chinese) The female force