Topic: New Year’s food across Japan
-“What’s in the box?!”
[Word definitions]
lacquered (adj.): having a protective coating made of special tree sap (urushi)
compartment (n.): a part of a container
vary (v.): have different versions, styles, or variations
work [one’s] way (v.): slowly or methodically move towards a direction
simmer (v.): slowly, gently cook (at a lower temperature than a boil)
roe (n.): eggs of marine (sea/river/lake) animals
cartilage (n.): tough parts of the body (softer than bones, harder than muscles)
throw … out the window: to stop using or thinking about something (often a rule or idea)
braised (adj.): browned and then slowly cooked until tender (usually for meat)
exclusively (adv.): only for a specific purpose/group/period
suffocation (n.): being unable to breathe (if in liquid, it’s called drowning)
full of beans: having a lot of energy and cheer
a lump in [one’s] throat: feeling especially sad, moved, like wanting to cry