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Princess Kiku
Princess Kiku

Chapter II

Chapter 2 of Princess Kiku is here in full — 418 sentences across 84 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for Princess Kiku
Context Illustration Reading 1/83 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.
1 E. and L.
1 E. The room is made with plain screens.
ITO stands R., down stage._ SAKARA.
See, little Ito, there are books for excellent play-acting.
0:00 / 0:00
Speed 0.75x
AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Princess Kiku

Chapter II

Chapter 2 of Princess Kiku is here in full — 418 sentences across 84 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/83 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.
Line 2
1 E. and L.
Line 3
1 E. The room is made with plain screens.
Line 4
ITO stands R., down stage._ SAKARA.
Line 5
See, little Ito, there are books for excellent play-acting.

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, and audio.

excellent adjective US /ˈeksələnt/

very good; of the highest quality

From this reading “See, little Ito, there are books for excellent play-acting.”

hanging noun US /ˈhæŋɪŋ/

decoration that is hung (as a tapestry) on a wall or over a window

From this reading “SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.”

Japanese noun US /ˌdʒæpəˈniːz/

a native or inhabitant of Japan

From this reading “SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.”

rugs noun US /rʌɡz/

plural of “rug” — floor covering consisting of a piece of thick heavy fabric (usually with nap or pile)

From this reading “SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.”

screens noun US /skriːnz/

plural of “screen” — a white or silvered surface where pictures can be projected for viewing

From this reading “1 E. The room is made with plain screens.”

stands noun US /stændz/

plural of “stand” — a support or foundation

From this reading “ITO stands R., down stage._ SAKARA.”

stools noun US /stuːlz/

plural of “stool” — a simple seat without a back or arms

From this reading “SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.”

tables noun US /ˈteɪbəlz/

plural of “table” — a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading “SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.”

Word partnerships in these lines

English keeps certain words together, and knowing the pair is worth more than knowing each word alone. Every partnership below was counted across our whole published library, and earns its place by appearing far more often than two unrelated words of the same frequency would.

Shown as this reading writes them, with the form the library counts, what kind of pairing it is, and how often it occurs.

on the floor preposition + article + noun counted as “on … floor”

In this reading “SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.”

in front preposition + noun

at or in the front

In this reading “SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.”

small tables adjective + noun counted as “small table”

In this reading “SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.”

All words in this reading · 60

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

1

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 1 E. and L.

AdeterminerUS /ə/

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading 1 E. and L.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading See, little Ito, there are books for excellent play-acting.

booksnounUS /bʊks/

Bound written or printed works.

From this reading SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.

boxnounUS /bɑːks/

a (usually rectangular) container; may have a lid

From this reading SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.

CnounUS /siː/

a degree on the centigrade scale of temperature

From this reading SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.

coveredadjectiveUS /ˈkʌvərd/

overlaid or spread or topped with or enclosed within something; sometimes used as a combining form

From this reading SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.

downadjectiveUS /daʊn/

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading ITO stands R., down stage._ SAKARA.

EnounUS /iː/

a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for normal reproduction; an important antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals in the body

From this reading 1 E. and L.

etc

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.

excellentadjectiveUS /ˈeksələnt/

very good; of the highest quality

From this reading See, little Ito, there are books for excellent play-acting.

floornounUS /flɔːr/

the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)

From this reading SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading See, little Ito, there are books for excellent play-acting.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.

frontnounUS /frʌnt/

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.

hangingnounUS /ˈhæŋɪŋ/

decoration that is hung (as a tapestry) on a wall or over a window

From this reading SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.

housenounUS /haʊs/

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.

ITO

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading ITO stands R., down stage._ SAKARA.

IVnoun

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.

JapanesenounUS /ˌdʒæpəˈniːz/

a native or inhabitant of Japan

From this reading SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.

LnounUS /el/

a metric unit of capacity, formerly defined as the volume of one kilogram of pure water under standard conditions; now equal to 1,000 cubic centimeters (or approximately 1.75 pints)

From this reading 1 E. and L.

littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading See, little Ito, there are books for excellent play-acting.

lowadjectiveUS /loʊ/

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.

madeadjectiveUS /meɪd/

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading 1 E. The room is made with plain screens.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.

plainadjectiveUS /pleɪn/

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading 1 E. The room is made with plain screens.

play-acting

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading See, little Ito, there are books for excellent play-acting.

RnounUS /ɑːr/

a unit of radiation exposure; the dose of ionizing radiation that will produce 1 electrostatic unit of electricity in 1 cc of dry air

From this reading SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.

reallyadverbUS /ˈrɪli/

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.

roofnounUS /ruːf/

a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building

From this reading SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.

roomnounUS /ruːm/

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.

rugsnounUS /rʌɡz/

plural of “rug” — floor covering consisting of a piece of thick heavy fabric (usually with nap or pile)

From this reading SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.

SAKARA

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.

SCENEnounUS /siːn/

the place where some action occurs

From this reading SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.

screensnounUS /skriːnz/

plural of “screen” — a white or silvered surface where pictures can be projected for viewing

From this reading 1 E. The room is made with plain screens.

seatedadjectiveUS /ˈsiːtɪd/

(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks

From this reading SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.

SeeverbUS /siː/

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading See, little Ito, there are books for excellent play-acting.

smalladjectiveUS /smɔːl/

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.

someadjectiveUS /sʌm/

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.

squareverbUS /skwer/

make square

From this reading SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.

stagenounUS /steɪdʒ/

any distinct time period in a sequence of events

From this reading ITO stands R., down stage._ SAKARA.

standsnounUS /stændz/

plural of “stand” — a support or foundation

From this reading ITO stands R., down stage._ SAKARA.

stoolsnounUS /stuːlz/

plural of “stool” — a simple seat without a back or arms

From this reading SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.

swordnounUS /sɔːrd/

a cutting or thrusting weapon that has a long metal blade and a hilt with a hand guard

From this reading SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.

tablenounUS /ˈteɪbəl/

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.

tablesnounUS /ˈteɪbəlz/

plural of “table” — a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.

thereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading See, little Ito, there are books for excellent play-acting.

threenounUS /θriː/

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.

twonounUS /tuː/

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading SCENE IV.--_A room in the house of SAKARA, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R.

Chapter 2 of Princess Kiku by M. F. Hutchinson holds 418 sentences, grouped into 84 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 2 of Princess Kiku contain?

Chapter 2 holds 418 sentences of Princess Kiku, unabridged, divided into 84 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 2 of Princess Kiku by M. F. Hutchinson exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 418 sentences, grouped into 84 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 2 of Princess Kiku?

Work through the 84 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 84 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 2 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 2 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading Princess Kiku

Common questions about reading Princess Kiku by M. F. Hutchinson on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Princess Kiku?

Yes. All 812 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #58928 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Princess Kiku is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #58928, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Princess Kiku take to read?

About 67 minutes of reading across 163 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Princess Kiku section by section

How to work through Princess Kiku section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 2 chapters of Princess Kiku to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in Princess Kiku

Words and structures a reader meets early in Princess Kiku, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Imitating
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Princess Kiku; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Carefully
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Princess Kiku; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Amairu
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Princess Kiku; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Mercy
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Princess Kiku; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.