The Best Japanese Proverbs
What better way to immerse yourself in a new culture than through art and literature ? Reading Japanese proverbs helps you understand the moral values that have driven the archipelago for generations.
Today, let's dive into Japanese wisdom together through a selection of proverbs that offer a unique perspective on life, love, time, and much more. Some of these sayings will surprise you with their depth, while others will make you smile or think.
Discover how Japanese proverbs can enrich your worldview and inspire you in your daily life.
What are Japanese proverbs called?
Japanese proverbs, called kotowaza (諺), are treasures of Japanese culture, passed down from generation to generation. They are used to convey life lessons, express universal truths, or guide conduct in various situations. Each proverb, although often short, carries deep meaning and is rooted in Japanese philosophy and history.
In Japan, there are several forms of proverbs:
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Kanyoku (慣用句): Idiomatic expressions whose meaning is figurative and not literal.
Example: 猿も木から落ちる (Saru mo ki kara ochiru) - "Even a monkey can fall from a tree," meaning that even experts can make mistakes. -
Yojijukugo (四字熟語): Proverbs composed of four Chinese characters, often borrowed from Chinese philosophy.
Example: 一石二鳥 (Isseki nichō) - "One shot for two birds," similar to "kill two birds with one stone."
Japanese Proverbs About Life and Death
1. 雨降って地固まる (Ame futte ji katamaru)
"After the rain, the earth solidifies."
This proverb illustrates how life's difficulties and challenges strengthen individuals, making them more resilient and stronger over time.
2. 七転び八起き (Nana korobi yaoki)
“Seven times down, eight times up.”
This saying symbolizes perseverance and courage, reminding us that no matter how many times we fail, the important thing is to always get back up.
3. 一期一会 (Ichigo ichie)
“Once, once, once.”
This expression highlights the importance of each moment and each encounter, because they will never happen again in the same way. It encourages us to appreciate the present moment.
Japanese Proverbs About Love and Friendship
4. 釣った魚に餌はやらぬ (Tsutta sakana ni esa wa yaranu)
"You don't feed a fish you've already caught."
A proverb that suggests that the effort to maintain a relationship often diminishes once the goal is achieved, reminding us of the importance of continuing to nurture relationships even after they have been established.
5. 水に流す (Mizu ni nagasu)
"Let it flow into the water."
This proverb means to forgive and forget past offenses or disputes, a reminder of the importance of peace and harmony in relationships.
6. 花より団子 (Hana yori dango)
“Meatballs rather than flowers.”
This saying compares substance to appearance, suggesting that practical things are preferable to merely beautiful things.
Japanese Proverbs About Time and Old Age
7. 過ぎたるは及ばざるが如し (Sugitaru wa oyobazaru ga gotoshi)
“Too much is as bad as not enough.”
This proverb teaches the importance of moderation, reminding us that excess can be as harmful as deficiency.
8. 光陰矢の如し (Kōin ya no gotoshi)
"Time flies like an arrow."
A poignant reminder that time flies and is precious, urging us not to waste it.
9. 老いては子に従え (Oite wa ko ni shitagae)
"When you get old, you have to follow your children."
This saying reflects the Japanese tradition of respect for younger generations and the idea that elders must sometimes cede control to their descendants.
10. 塵も積もれば山となる (Chiri mo tsumoreba yama to naru)
"Even dust, accumulated, becomes a mountain."
This proverb teaches the value of perseverance and patience. It reminds us that even the smallest actions, when repeated, can lead to great results.
11. 石の上にも三年 (Ishi no ue nimo san nen)
"It takes three years even to heat a stone."
A saying that emphasizes the importance of patience and perseverance. Even the most difficult tasks can be accomplished with time and perseverance.
12. 忍耐は苦いが、その実は甘い (Nintai wa nigai ga, sono mi wa amai)
"Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet."
A proverb that encourages perseverance despite difficulties, because the rewards of patience and perseverance are often rewarding.
Japanese Proverbs About Honor and Humility
13. 虎穴に入らずんば虎子を得ず (Koketsu ni irazunba koji wo ezu)
"You can't catch a tiger without entering its den."
This proverb means that without taking risks, nothing valuable can be achieved. It reflects the spirit of courage and daring that is valued in Japanese culture.
14. 恥を知れ (Haji o shire)
“Know what shame is.”
This saying emphasizes the importance of personal honor and morality. It reminds us that awareness of one's mistakes is essential to maintaining one's integrity.
15. 立つ鳥跡を濁さず (Tatsu tori ato o nigosazu)
"The bird that flies away leaves no traces."
A proverb that teaches the importance of leaving a place without causing trouble or leaving problems behind, a symbol of discretion and respect.
Japanese Proverbs About Willpower, Hard Work, and Courage
16. 継続は力なり (Keizoku wa chikara nari)
“Perseverance is strength.”
This proverb highlights the power of continuity and perseverance in work. It is an encouragement to persevere, even when the results are not immediately visible.
17. 努力は実る (Doryoku wa minori)
“Hard work pays off.”
This saying is a reminder that effort and dedication are always rewarded, even if it takes time.
18. 勝って兜の緒を締めよ (Katte kabuto no o wo shimeyo)
"After victory, tighten the cords of your helmet."
This proverb means that one should never let one's guard down, even after success. It is a call to remain vigilant and humble, even in success.
Japanese Proverbs About Respect and Conformity
19. 鳶が鷹を産む (Tobi ga taka o umu)
"A kite does not give birth to a falcon."
This proverb suggests that great things can come from humble beginnings, while emphasizing the importance of respecting one's origins and roots.
20. 礼に始まり礼に終わる (Rei ni hajimari rei ni owaru)
"Start with politeness, end with politeness."
This saying emphasizes the importance of respect and good manners in all interactions. It reminds us that politeness is the basis of harmonious human relationships.
21. 口は災いの元 (Kuchi wa wazawai no moto)
"The mouth is the source of misfortunes."
This proverb warns against the dangers of careless speech, reminding us of the importance of thinking before speaking.
Japanese Proverbs About Nature and Tranquility
Japanese culture places great importance on nature and peace of mind. Proverbs that draw on these themes are often imbued with deep wisdom and appreciation for the natural elements.
22. 花鳥風月 (Kachou Fuugetsu)
“Flowers, birds, wind and moon.”
This poetic proverb expresses love for nature. It invites us to find inspiration and peace by observing the natural beauties that surround us.
23. 風林火山 (Fuurin Kazan)
"Fast as the wind, silent as the forest, fierce as fire, still as the mountain."
This famous expression, inspired by the famous general Takeda Shingen, is used to describe the ideal strategy on the battlefield. It also reflects a deep connection with the forces of nature, encouraging strength, determination, and harmony with the environment.
24. 雨降って地固まる (Ame futte ji katamaru)
"After the rain, the earth becomes solid."
This proverb means that trials and difficulties often strengthen situations. It is a reminder that the storms of life can strengthen foundations and lead to positive outcomes.
25. 山は山、川は川 (Yama wa yama, kawa wa kawa)
"The mountain is a mountain, the river is a river."
This proverb emphasizes the importance of accepting things as they are, without seeking to change or control them. It is a call for inner peace and harmony with the world around us.
26. 石の上にも三年 (Ishi no ue nimo san nen)
“Three years on a stone.”
This proverb highlights the importance of patience and constancy. Even the most arduous tasks can be accomplished with time and perseverance, just as nature continues its slow but unwavering work.
27. 鳴かぬなら、鳴かせてみせよう、ホトトギス (Nakanunara, nakasete miseyou, hototogisu)
"If the cuckoo doesn't sing, make it sing."
This proverb, often associated with the feudal lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi, illustrates determination and ingenuity. It expresses the idea that obstacles can be overcome by finding creative solutions.
28. 雲外蒼天 (Ungai Souten)
“Beyond the clouds, the sky is blue.”
This saying reminds us that despite dark times and difficulties, there is always hope and better days ahead.
29. 夏炉冬扇 (Karo Touzen)
"The stove in summer, the fan in winter."
This proverb symbolizes the uselessness of things that are not in harmony with time or circumstances. It encourages us to be attentive to nature and to act in accordance with the present moment.
30. 枯木も山の賑わい (Kareki mo yama no nigiyakai)
"A dead tree still contributes to the agitation of the mountain."
Even what seems useless or insignificant has its place in the grand scheme of nature. This proverb teaches us to recognize the value in all things, even those that seem unimportant.
Japanese proverbs are more than just expressions; they reflect a culture rich in wisdom , respect for nature, and appreciation for essential human values such as patience, honor, and humility. Each of these sayings—whether they are lessons about life, love, perseverance, or tranquility—offers a window into how the Japanese view and interact with the world.
By delving into these proverbs, we discover a philosophy of life that values simplicity, harmony, and respect for traditions. They remind us that, even in our modern and often hectic lives, it is important to take a step back, reflect, and appreciate the beauty of the present moment, while remaining true to our convictions.
These maxims, passed down from generation to generation, continue to inspire and guide those who seek to live a meaningful life . Whether to face daily challenges, to find comfort in difficult times, or to simply enrich our understanding of the world, Japanese proverbs offer invaluable treasures of wisdom to incorporate into our own lives .