This book makes learning Japanese phrases “asameshi mae.”

If you are “gomasuri” (sesame grinding) are you cooking or being overly flattering? If someone is “koshi ga Hikui” (low-waisted) does she have an enviable figure or is she just very humble?

101 Japanese Idioms takes the mystery out of these common Japanese expressions and explains their meanings in context. On the audio CD, native speakers read each of the 101 idioms and dialogues that place them in context, so you can hear how Japanese sounds and practice what you have learned.

Find out what Japanese really mean when they say . . .

• Mizu no Awa = bubbles on the water
• Happoo bijin = a beauty in eight directions
• Hippari dako= a spread-eagled octopus
• Saba o Yomu= to read the mackerel
• Haragei= belly performance