作品Free Graded Reading
茶話Tea Talk
Chawa
by 薄田 泣菫 · Usuda Sumire
A man and woman walk together; her playful warning becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
What you'll learn
What you'll learnA young man and a woman, strangers to each other, end up walking together along a mountain path. The woman expresses fear that the man might forcibly kiss her, but he dismisses the idea due to his burdens. However, she suggests that if he were to put down his belongings, he could easily do so.
The narrator reflects on the event, explaining that the man was initially unaware but was suggested to act by the woman's words. It generalizes that behind every brave act, whether good or bad, there is often a woman's subtle suggestion.
Key vocabulary
Key vocabulary| 暗示 (あんじ) | suggestion; hint |
|---|---|
| 連立つ (つれだつ) | to go together; to accompany |
| 力づく (ちからづく) | by force; forcibly |
| 山羊 (やぎ) | goat |
Grammar points you'll meet
Grammar points you'll meet- ものぢやありません N2A polite negative form meaning 'it is not that...'. Equivalent to ものではありません.馬鹿をいふものぢやありません。
- ～てさへおけば N3Conditional form meaning 'if only (one) has done something'. Combines ～ておく (to do in advance) with さえ～ば (if only).鶏をそのなかに伏せてさへおけば、いくら私が嫌がつたつて、力づくで接吻すること位出来るぢやありませんか。
- ～やうに N4Adverbial form of ようだ, meaning 'like; as if; in the manner of'.女が言つたやうに、杖を地べたに突きさして、それに山羊を繋ぎ、背の水桶をおろして、鶏をそのなかに伏せた。
- ～といふことだ N2A phrase meaning 'it is said that; I heard that; in other words'.そして女の肩を捉へて、無理強ひに接吻したといふことだ。
Cultural notes
Cultural notes- 山道の旅The story takes place on a mountain path (山道), a common setting in pre-modern Japan for travel and chance encounters. The mention of a water bucket, goat, and staff reflects traditional rural life and the itinerant nature of travel before modern infrastructure.
- 暗示と行動の心理The story illustrates the concept of '暗示' (suggestion) in psychology. The woman's words plant an idea that the man initially denies but later acts upon, showing how suggestion can influence behavior, a theme often explored in literature (e.g., Natsume Soseki's works).
Try a comprehension question
Try a comprehension questionWhat is the woman's initial concern about walking with the man?
- That he might steal her water bucket.
- That he might forcibly kiss her.
- That he might let the goat loose.
- That he might leave her alone in the valley.
Sensei's reading tip
Sensei's reading tipPay attention to classical Japanese forms such as 'ゐた' (いた), 'いふ' (いう), and 'ぢや' (じゃ). These are common in pre-war literature and can be understood through context.
Read a sample in Japanese
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