Red spot - black spot

thomas · 12 Jun 2002

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 · 12 Jun 2002

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 · 12 Jun 2002

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

Jupernia · 12 Jun 2002

Thats rather interesting.

moyashi · 13 Jun 2002

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 · 20 Jun 2002

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

moyashi · 19 Jul 2002

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.

Red spot - black spot

thomas

Unswerving cyclist

moyashi

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thomas

Unswerving cyclist

Jupernia

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moyashi

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samuraitora

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moyashi

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