Vocabulary from the podcast story of Tokoyo and the sea monster.

Vocabulary - Tokoyo and the sea monster

n. the money a person needs to pay for food, a place to live, etc. and the way of earning this money.

Example: The people of Tokoyo’s village made their livelihood diving for pearls.

n. the distance from the top or surface to the bottom of something.

Example: The sea was like a second home to her, and she swam easily through its depths.

n. an unfortunate condition or event.

Example: Her mother had died when she was a baby, and while she was still a child misfortune struck again.

v. send (someone) away from a country or place as an official punishment.

Example: Tokoyo’s father was banished to the island of Oki, far from the Japanese mainland.

v. comfort (someone) at a time of grief or disappointment.

Example: Her friends tried to console the young girl, but they could not lift her spirits.

n. a child whose parents are dead.

Example: She felt like an orphan, and the house that had once been filled with laughter was now filled with sorrow.

v. strongly wish for or want (something).

Example: Tokoyo’s one desire was to see her father.

v. to bend down or move backward with your head down because you are frightened. 

Example: The girl cowering before them had been chosen as the sea god’s victim and was about to be thrown into the sea.

n. an illness, typically a minor one.

Example: The sea god had also cast a spell on the emperor, causing his many ailments.

v. engage in long and careful consideration.

Example: They began to deliberate among themselves while Tokoyo waited anxiously.

n. a very steep rock face or cliff, especially a tall one.

Example: Tokoyo walked to the edge of the precipice, took a deep breath, and leaped into the water.

v. kill (a person or animal) in a violent way.

Example: Tokoyo drew her pearling knife, slaying the evil sea god.

n. any feeling of illness or physical or mental change that is caused by a disease.

Example: In an instant, all the emperor’s symptoms disappeared.

v. obtain possession or use of something again after losing it.

Example: As a result of Tokoyo’s wish, her father regained his freedom and was happily reunited with his daughter.