My Neighbor Totoro

The area outside of cities and towns; the rural environment

They moved to the countryside for a more peaceful life.

rural areacountry

used to emphasize something unexpected or surprising

He even helped with the dishes.

indeedactuallyin fact

Fine black particles of carbon produced by incomplete combustion

The soot coated the windowsill.

ashcarbonresidue

Having a sound as of things old and worn

The creaky door swung open.

squeakygroaning

To gradually develop or undergo a change into a particular state or condition

The sky grew darker.

becomegetturndevelop into

emitting light

It looked like a giant cat, with glowing eyes.

shiningradiant

Covered with or resembling fluff

They were round, fluffy, and seemed to be made of soot.

softdowny

Different from what is ordinary, expected, or typical, particularly in a way that is surprising or curious

Something even stranger happened.

oddweirdunusualpeculiar

To make sounds expressing amusement

They laughed at the joke.

chucklegigglesnicker

To take a sudden, sharp breath as a reaction to shock, surprise, or amazement

The girls gasped as the sprouts grew taller.

caught one's breathexclaimpant

To be in motion as air currents or to cause movement by air currents

The wind blew through the trees.

gustbreezewaftstream

Animals or imaginary beings distinct from human beings, often implying something wild or unusual

Mysterious Creatures in the Forest.

beingsanimalsbeastscritters