Red spot - black spot

thomas · Jun 12, 2002, 06:38

Interesting, I found the following expression at the About.com forum:

the term "kou itten" [a single spot of red] refers to a single woman among a group of men. Vice versa "koku itten" [a single spot of black] refers to a single man among a group of women. I am not sure if this phrase is also used in formal language, but it seems to originate from a famous Chinese poem that depicts a single crimson flower blossoming among a myriad of green leaves.

Generally, red is associated to female gender, black to male (for instance on public bathroom doors etc).

moyashi · Jun 12, 2002, 09:37

hmmm .... not to be rude but .... isn't that a pun too? Aka along the lines of Ariwara Narihira (Tales of Ise -- Japan's Don Juan/Casanova)

Red is also the circle on the Hinamaru while black is in place of the white background of the flag.

I'll see what I can dig up with the older generation.

thomas · Jun 12, 2002, 19:25

I'm not sure whether this is some sort of parody or not. Asked Nahoko (yes, my prime resources for things Japanese, haha), she said it's a valid expression.
I'll keep digging.

Jupernia · Jun 12, 2002, 23:48

Thats rather interesting.

moyashi · Jun 13, 2002, 07:49

Checked with a [kokugo] Japanese Language teacher yesterday.

Yes, it's a used expression and interestingly added it's a phrase you learn as a child, therefore he wasn't really sure of it's orgin.

samuraitora · Jun 20, 2002, 22:24

I don't know what to think about them teaching children things like that...good or bad?

moyashi · Jul 19, 2002, 09:52

hmmm??? not sure what you're referring to samuraitora?

I added the parody, but the Japanese teacher didn't mention any subtle hidden points. I did refer to such a chance but he didn't pick up on it.

sorry, if I mislead you.

Jun 12, 2002, 06:38	#1
thomas Decommissioned ex-admin Join Date: Mar 14, 2002 Posts: 4,209	Red spot - black spot Interesting, I found the following expression at the About.com forum: the term "kou itten" [a single spot of red] refers to a single woman among a group of men. Vice versa "koku itten" [a single spot of black] refers to a single man among a group of women. I am not sure if this phrase is also used in formal language, but it seems to originate from a famous Chinese poem that depicts a single crimson flower blossoming among a myriad of green leaves. Generally, red is associated to female gender, black to male (for instance on public bathroom doors etc). __________________ Remember what the dormouse said, feed your head, feed your head!

Jun 12, 2002, 09:37	#2
moyashi Regular Member Join Date: Apr 15, 2002 Location: SonyLand Age: 40 Posts: 1,566	hmmm .... not to be rude but .... isn't that a pun too? Aka along the lines of Ariwara Narihira (Tales of Ise -- Japan's Don Juan/Casanova) Red is also the circle on the Hinamaru while black is in place of the white background of the flag. I'll see what I can dig up with the older generation. __________________ crazy gonna crazy

Jun 20, 2002, 22:24	#6
samuraitora Regular Member Join Date: May 29, 2002 Location: Detroit MI Age: 35 Posts: 782	I don't know what to think about them teaching children things like that...good or bad? __________________ ja mata samuraitora (^_-)/

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Jun 12, 2002, 19:25	#3
thomas Decommissioned ex-admin Join Date: Mar 14, 2002 Posts: 4,209	I'm not sure whether this is some sort of parody or not. Asked Nahoko (yes, my prime resources for things Japanese, haha), she said it's a valid expression. I'll keep digging.

Jun 12, 2002, 23:48	#4
Jupernia Junior Member Join Date: Jun 5, 2002 Location: Tampa, Florida, USA Age: 28 Posts: 19	Thats rather interesting.

Jun 13, 2002, 07:49	#5
moyashi Regular Member Join Date: Apr 15, 2002 Location: SonyLand Age: 40 Posts: 1,566	Checked with a [kokugo] Japanese Language teacher yesterday. Yes, it's a used expression and interestingly added it's a phrase you learn as a child, therefore he wasn't really sure of it's orgin.

Jul 19, 2002, 09:52	#7
moyashi Regular Member Join Date: Apr 15, 2002 Location: SonyLand Age: 40 Posts: 1,566	hmmm??? not sure what you're referring to samuraitora? I added the parody, but the Japanese teacher didn't mention any subtle hidden points. I did refer to such a chance but he didn't pick up on it. sorry, if I mislead you.