Tough Love Japan-style
Sometimes you can find yourself in a situation where you need to pretend to be upset or angry.
Believe it or not, the Japanese have an idiom for this.
Let's try a Japanese quiz!
A: うちの息子はゲームばかりしているの。
B: 子供はかわいいとは思うけど、心を( )にして、叱った方が良いよ。
A: My son just plays video games all the time.
B: While I think children are adorable, you should toughen up a bit and discipline him.
Choose the correct word to fit into the missing space ( ).
Select the answer from choices 1~ 4 below.
① 悪(あく)evil
② 鬼(おに)a demon
③ 氷(こおり)ice
④ 塩(しお)salt
答えは・・・The answer is・・・
② 鬼(おに)
◆ Today's expression
心(こころ)を鬼(おに)にする
"心を鬼にする" means adopting a strict and stern attitude. It usually means to be calm and withhold your passion. It is often used when describing disciplining children sternly without emotions.