One of them had gotten some delicious strawberry shortcake, and they both congratulated me beautifully in English. And the female student, K, said delightedly: "Now you will be misoji too. " (I'd mentioned that I'd be turning 30 soon several weeks ago.) This was followed by the query: "What is misoji in English?"
My trusty Japanese-English dictionary lists "thirty years of age; [a person in one's] thirties" as translations, but in my opinion, they just don't cut it. They fail to convey the apprehension , excitement, and pressure that come with this number. I gave my student the phrase "the big three-oh" off the top of my head in class, and after doing some backup research on the Net, I still stand by it as the best way to convey the nuances of the word in English.
I guess the very fact that I could come up with such an apt translation in English is testament to the fact that turning 30 is a big deal in both cultures. Especially for women. There is a sudden rush to get married among my friends, and I'll be going to a record number of weddings this year.
And now that I've actually hit the big three-oh? Let's just say that it has been the most exciting birthday in years. Reaching this landmark has reminded me of how precious time is, and how I have to make the most of it.
また指導して下さい。宜しくお願いします。
何事も心構えが大事なのではないでしょうか。
とにかく前向きに考えなければ、何も始まりませんよね。
...と考えるようになってから、大分楽になりました。 (^^)
Yes, you're absolutely right. (sigh) I have taken your advice re the title. Thanks very much!