作品Free Graded Reading
御鷹The Hawk
O-taka
by 吉川 英治 · Yoshikawa Eiji
JLPT N1Short StoryClassical / archaicQuiz ready
A samurai's pride is tested in a hawk-hunting conflict that turns deadly
What you'll learn
What you'll learnBenma wakes up feeling heavy-eyed and listless, thinking about his rival Kaku and the woman Oetsu. He learns that relatives have gathered and his father orders him to go away for training.
Benma's father, Shingonzaemon, announces the family's decision to send him away for training. Benma argues, but his uncle from Yumicho accuses him of improper behavior towards Oetsu and a duel is hinted at.
Language difficultyExpert · 88/100
Key vocabulary
Key vocabulary| 眼がしぶい (めがしぶい) | eyes feel heavy/gummy (upon waking) |
|---|---|
| あばた | pockmarks; pitted scars (on face) |
| 果し状 (はたしじょう) | challenge letter (for a duel) |
| 吹雪 (ふぶき) | blizzard; name of a hawk |
Grammar points you'll meet
Grammar points you'll meet- ～のう (archaic) N1Archaic sentence-ending particle used by older men to express a mild assertion or emotion, often translated as '..., you know'.……わしは養子を迎えるより、あんたのような息子が欲しかったのう。
- ～じゃろう (archaic) N1Archaic form of だろう, used to conjecture or ask for agreement, often by older men.――さすがに体が緊まって来た。
Cultural notes
Cultural notes- 果し合い (Duel)A formal duel between samurai to settle disputes, often involving challenge letters (果し状). Dueling was strictly regulated in feudal Japan.
- 御鳥見組 (Imperial Falconers)A group of samurai in charge of hawking for the shogun. Falconry was a prestigious duty associated with the shogunate.
Try a comprehension question
Try a comprehension questionWhat does Benma do immediately after waking up?
- He eats breakfast.
- He smokes a pipe and looks at his sword.
- He goes for a walk outside.
- He reads a letter.
Sensei's reading tip
Sensei's reading tipPay attention to archaic verb endings and particles; they indicate speaker's status and era.
Read a sample in Japanese
Read a sample in Japanese一眼がしぶい、冬日の障子越しに、鵙の声はもう午近く思われる。弁馬は、寝床の上に、腹ばいになり、まだ一皮寝不足の膜を被っている頭脳を、頬杖に乗せて、生欠伸をした。顔中のあばたが動く。煙管を取って、すぱっと一ぷく燻らしながら、ゆうべ打粉を与えて置いた枕元の腰の刀を見ると、さすがに体が緊まって来た。『――あいつも、寝られなかったに違いない』弁馬はこう自嘲すると共に、すぐ明け方の夢の中から、お悦の眸と、角三郎の顔だけを脳膜にぼんやり映し出していた。その後頭部と瞼のうえに、鈍いしびれを感じると、弁馬は拳を当てて、『こんな事では――』がばと、筋肉へ張を入れて、刎ね起きた。裏へ出て、井戸でうがいをしていると、『若旦那、奥で、皆様がお眼ざめを待ちかねていらっしゃいますよ』と、下婢が言う。庭の隅で、落葉を焚いている仲間の爺やが、憂わしげに、煙の中から振向いていた。『皆様とは、誰が？』『弓町の伯父様』
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