作品Free Graded Reading
ハナとタマシヒHana and the Soul
Hana to Tamashihi
by 平山 千代子 · Hirayama Chiyoko
A girl is told that snot is rotten brain, a hilarious childhood misunderstanding that snowballs into family laughter.
What you'll learn
What you'll learnThe narrator recalls being told by a classmate that nose mucus is rotten brain matter, believes it, and later gets laughed at when repeating it. Eventually she learns the scientific truth in school.
The narrator recalls playing a game with friends where pressing closed eyes reveals a yellow ring, which a friend claims is the soul. The narrator believes this until she loses confidence after the nose mucus incident.
Key vocabulary
Key vocabulary| ハナ (はな) | nose; also used here to mean 'nose mucus' |
|---|---|
| ノーミソ (のーみそ) | brain (colloquial) |
| 魂 (たましい) | soul; spirit |
| グリグリ (ぐりぐり) | onomatopoeia for pressing and rubbing eyes |
| スットンキョウ (すっとんきょう) | discordant; shrill (voice) |
Grammar points you'll meet
Grammar points you'll meet- ～てしまう N4Expresses completion of an action, often with regret or finality.そのまま半分は信じてもちこしてしまった。
- ～てくれる N4Someone does a favor for the speaker.渡辺千代子さんが教えてくれたのよ。
- ～そうです (伝聞) N4Indicates hearsay: 'I heard that...'ノーミソの腐ったものなんですってさ。
- ～という N4Used to define or explain; 'meaning that...'「ハナってのは、ノーミソが古くなって腐ったんですってさ」と言った。
- ～てみる N4Try doing something.私も眼をつぶってやってみた。
Cultural notes
Cultural notes- Childhood Folklore: Nose Mucus as Rotten BrainThe text shows a common childhood misconception in Japan (and elsewhere) that boogers are made of rotten brain matter. This reflects how children form fanciful explanations for bodily functions.
- Visual Phenomena: Pressing Eyes to See 'Soul'Children often entertain the idea that the yellow ring seen when pressing closed eyes is the soul. This game is a vivid memory of childhood curiosity and makes a cultural reference to 人魂 (will-o'-the-wisp).
Try a comprehension question
Try a comprehension questionWhat did the narrator originally believe about nose mucus (ハナ)?
- It is a sign of a cold.
- It is rotten brain matter.
- It is the soul leaking out.
- It is a sign of intelligence.
Sensei's reading tip
Sensei's reading tipPay attention to the dialogue style; it alternates between casual and polite depending on the speaker.
Read a sample in Japanese
Topics & grammar
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