also: はすにかまえる · ななめにかまえる
斜に構える · ichidan verb
| Form | Positive | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary | 斜に構える | 斜に構えない |
| Polite | 斜に構えます | 斜に構えません |
| Past polite | 斜に構えました | 斜に構えませんでした |
| Past | 斜に構えた | 斜に構えなかった |
| Te-form | 斜に構えて | 斜に構えないで |
| Desire | 斜に構えたい | 斜に構えたくない |
| Potential | 斜に構えられるalso 斜に構えれる | 斜に構えられないalso 斜に構えれない |
| Passive | 斜に構えられる | 斜に構えられない |
| Causative | 斜に構えさせる | 斜に構えさせない |
| Causative passive | 斜に構えさせられる | 斜に構えさせられない |
| Volitional | 斜に構えよう | |
| Polite volitional | 斜に構えましょう | |
| Imperative | 斜に構えろ | 斜に構えるな |
| Conditional | 斜に構えれば | 斜に構えなければ |
| Tara conditional | 斜に構えたら | 斜に構えなかったら |
couch a sword; hold a sword diagonally
Literal martial-arts term: holding a sword at a diagonal angle, ready to strike or defend.
In the kendo match, my opponent held his sword diagonally, waiting for a chance to attack.
take a cynical stance; look at things ironically; be on guard
Figurative use: adopting a detached, skeptical, or defensive attitude toward people or situations. Often implies not engaging straightforwardly.
He always listens with a cynical attitude, so he's easily misunderstood.
The newcomer is still on guard and doesn't open up easily.
stand ready; adopt a formal attitude
Archaic use: to prepare oneself formally for an action or to assume a stiff, ceremonial posture. Rare in modern Japanese.
In old texts, there are scenes where an envoy stands ready, waiting for his lord's words.