Nihongo no Tane 164: 大物ぽんちゃんPon-chan, the great | Japanese Immersion podcast

In this episode of "Nihongo no Tane," Yumi shares delightful stories about Pon-chan, the newest member of her family—a curious and calm kitten! She recounts how Pon-chan has grown from a tiny ball of fluff to a playful companion with a big personality. From quiet visits to the vet to bonding moments with her daughter and dog Maro-chan, Pon-chan’s gentle yet bold nature continues to charm everyone around him. Tune in to hear about his adventures and discover why Yumi believes he’s destined to be a “big deal”!

 

 

KEY VOCABULARY:

1. 順調(じゅんちょう) — Smooth; favorable; progressing well (a noun or na-adjective describing something that is going as planned or steadily growing).
2. すくすくと — Quickly and healthily; thriving (adverb describing the steady growth of children, animals, or plants).
3. 生後(せいご) — Post-birth; the time since birth. Often used to describe the age of babies or young animals, as in "4 months old."
4. 手(て)のひら — The palm of one’s hand; the inner part of the hand.
5. 両手(りょうて) — Both hands; referring to using or involving both hands.
6. 抱(かか)える — To hold in one’s arms; to carry (refers to holding something close, often with both hands or arms).
7. オス — Male (animal); used to specify the gender of animals.
8. 大物(おおもの)ぶり — Signs of greatness; showing composure or a dignified presence (ぶり indicates the state or manner of 大物(おおもの), "a big deal" or "important figure").
9. 一言(ひとこと) — A single word; one remark or sound.
10. 不安(ふあん)がって — Anxiously; showing unease or worry (te-form of 不安(ふあん)がる, meaning "to feel anxious").
11. そわそわ — Restlessly; nervously (onomatopoeic word describing someone who cannot settle down due to anxiety or excitement).
12. 様子(ようす) — State; condition; appearance; manner (refers to the way someone or something looks or behaves).
13. 態度(たいど) — Attitude; demeanor; behavior (refers to how someone acts or presents themselves).
14. 駆(か)け寄(よ)ってみたり — Running up to; approaching quickly (te-form of 駆(か)け寄(よ)る, "to run up," combined with みたり, which lists actions like "trying to do" something).
15. 吠(ほ)えたりしていました — Was barking or howling (たり-form of 吠(ほ)える, "to bark," listing actions; していました indicates a past ongoing or repeated action).
16. おやおや — Oh my!; Well, well! (an exclamation used to express mild surprise or curiosity).
17. 注射(ちゅうしゃ) — Injection; a shot (medical term for administering medicine via a needle).
18. 検査(けんさ) — Examination; inspection; test (medical term referring to tests or checkups).
19. 予防注射(よぼうちゅうしゃ) — Vaccination; preventive injection (a medical shot given to prevent diseases).
20. ウンチ — Poop; feces (a casual, childlike term for stool).
21. 平気(へいき)な顔(かお) — Calm face; composed expression (describes someone showing no signs of worry or fear).
22. 暴(あば)れたりもせず — Without struggling; not acting violently (たり-form of 暴(あば)れる, "to struggle," combined with もせず, meaning "without even doing").
23. 大(おお)らかで冷静(れいせい)な — Easygoing and calm; composed (な-adjectives 大(おお)らか, "easygoing," and 冷静(れいせい), "calm/composed," connected with で to describe a relaxed and unshaken personality).
24. 親(おや)ばか — Doting parent; overly proud or indulgent parent (describes a parent who boasts about or adores their child excessively).
25. おもらししちゃった — Had an accident; wet oneself (おもらし, "an accident," plus しちゃった, casual form of してしまった, expressing an unintentional or regrettable action.
26. 期待(きたい)を込(こ)めて — With high hopes; full of expectations (込(こ)めて, te-form of 込(こ)める, "to put into," showing an action done with emotion or intention).

About 大物(おおもの)

The term 大物(おおもの) is often used in Japanese to describe someone of significant stature, importance, or influence in a particular field. It's a versatile word that carries a sense of admiration and respect but can also be used humorously or sarcastically depending on the context.

 

Meanings and Usage:

1. A Big Shot or VIP

            - When used sincerely, 大物(おおもの) refers to someone who is influential or accomplished.

            - Example:     

              あの人(ひと)は政治(せいじ)の世界(せかい)では大物(おおもの)です。 (That person is a big shot in the world of politics.)

 

2. A Person with a Big Personality or Presence

            - It can describe someone with an aura of greatness or a larger-than-life presence.

            - Example:     

              彼女(かのじょ)は新人(しんじん)だけど、大物感(おおものかん)があります。 (She’s a newcomer, but she has the presence of a big deal.)

 

3. Potential for Greatness

            - Sometimes, it’s used to describe someone who shows promise or potential to become a prominent figure.

            - Example:

              彼(かれ)は若(わか)い頃(ころ)から将来(しょうらい)の大物(おおもの)と言(い)われていました。 (He’s been called a future big shot since he was young.)

 

4. Humorous or Sarcastic Use

            - It can also be used jokingly to describe someone acting overly confident or pretending to be important.

            - Example:

              彼(かれ)は自分(じぶん)のことを大物(おおもの)だと思(おも)っているみたい。 (He seems to think he’s a big deal.)

 

Cultural Nuance:

The term is tied to the Japanese appreciation for hierarchy and respect for accomplishments. Calling someone 大物(おおもの) implies they have achieved or will achieve something noteworthy, but the tone and intent can vary depending on how it's said and the relationship between the speaker and the subject.

If you're describing someone as 大物(おおもの), it's a way of acknowledging their significance—whether genuinely or playfully. Context is everything!

 

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-164

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-164-m

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