Japanese Maxims

Japanese maxims are like little pieces of wisdom in the Japanese language. They teach us important lessons or ideas in just a few words. For example, "Ichi-go ichi-e" means "One time, one meeting," reminding us to enjoy every moment because it’s special. These sayings make it easy to remember good advice!

七転び八起き (Nanakorobi yaoki)

Fall seven times, stand up eight. — Persevere through setbacks.

石の上にも三年 (Ishi no ue ni mo san nen)

Perseverance prevails even on a rock for three years. — Patience and persistence pay off.

猿も木から落ちる (Saru mo ki kara ochiru)

Even monkeys fall from trees. — Everyone makes mistakes.

船頭多くして船山に登る (Sendō ōku shite fune yama ni noboru)

Too many cooks spoil the broth. — Too many leaders can cause failure.

口は災いの門 (Kuchi wa wazawai no kado)

The mouth is the gate of misfortune. — Words can lead to trouble.

知らぬが仏 (Shiranu ga hotoke)

Ignorance is bliss. — Not knowing something can keep you happy.

鬼に金棒 (Oni ni kanabō)

Like giving a metal club to an ogre. — Making someone already strong even stronger.

出る杭は打たれる (Deru kui wa utareru)

The nail that sticks out gets hammered down. — People who stand out are often criticised.

井の中の蛙大海を知らず (I no naka no kawazu taikai wo shirazu)

A frog in a well knows nothing of the great ocean. — Limited perspectives can be narrow.

花より団子 (Hana yori dango)

Dumplings over flowers. — Practicality is better than aesthetics.

風林火山 (Fūrin kazan)

Swift as the wind, silent as the forest, fierce as fire, and immovable as a mountain. — Strategy for success.

案ずるより産むが易し (Anzuru yori umu ga yasashi)

Giving birth to a baby is easier than worrying about it. — Doing something is easier than worrying about it.

猫に小判 (Neko ni koban)

Gold coins to a cat. — Valuables are wasted on those who don't understand their value.

二兎を追う者は一兎をも得ず (Nito wo ou mono wa itto wo mo ezu)

One who chases after two hares won't catch even one. — Focus on one thing at a time.

雨降って地固まる (Ame futte ji katamaru)

After the rain, the ground hardens. — Adversity strengthens one's resolve.

鳶が鷹を産む (Tobi ga taka wo umu)

A kite breeds a hawk. — Great talent can come from humble origins.

虎穴に入らずんば虎子を得ず (Koketsu ni irazunba koji wo ezu)

If you do not enter the tiger's cave, you will not catch its cub. — Take risks to achieve rewards.

今日できることを明日に延ばすな (Kyō dekiru koto wo asu ni nobasu na)

Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today. — Avoid procrastination.

会うは別れの始め (Au wa wakare no hajime)

Meeting is the beginning of parting. — Every meeting contains the seed of parting.

灯台下暗し (Tōdai moto kurashi)

It's darkest under the lighthouse. — We often overlook what's right under our nose.

魚心あれば水心 (Uogokoro areba mizugokoro)

If you have a mind for the fish, the fish has a mind for water. — Mutual relationships benefit both sides.

短気は損気 (Tanki wa sonki)

Short temper brings loss. — Impatience leads to mistakes and losses.

雲泥の差 (Undei no sa)

The difference between clouds and mud. — A vast difference.

猫の手も借りたい (Neko no te mo karitai)

I would even borrow a cat's paw. — Desperate for help.

虎穴に入らずんば虎子を得ず (Koketsu ni irazunba koji wo ezu)

If you do not enter the tiger's cave, you will not catch its cub. — Take risks to achieve rewards.

鶴の一声 (Tsuru no hitokoe)

The single voice of a crane. — A decisive opinion from a person of authority.

蛙の子は蛙 (Kaeru no ko wa kaeru)

The child of a frog is a frog. — Like father, like son.

苦あれば楽あり (Ku areba raku ari)

After hardship comes happiness. — Good times follow bad times.

目から鱗が落ちる (Me kara uroko ga ochiru)

Scales fall from the eyes. — Realising the truth suddenly.

案ずるより産むが易し (Anzuru yori umu ga yasashi)

Giving birth to a baby is easier than worrying about it. — Doing something is easier than worrying about it.

一期一会 (Ichigo ichie)

One time, one meeting. — Treasure every encounter as it may never recur.

情けは人の為ならず (Nasake wa hito no tame narazu)

Kindness is not for others' sake. — Being kind to others ultimately benefits oneself.

笑う門には福来る (Warau kado ni wa fuku kuru)

Fortune comes in at the merry gate. — Happiness attracts good fortune.

猫に鰹節 (Neko ni katsuobushi)

Bonito flakes to a cat. — Putting temptation in someone's way.

風前の灯火 (Fūzen no tomoshibi)

A lamp before the wind. — A precarious situation.

好きこそ物の上手なれ (Suki koso mono no jōzu nare)

What one likes, one will do well. — Passion leads to proficiency.

旅は道連れ世は情け (Tabi wa michizure yo wa nasake)

On a journey, companions are pleasant; in life, compassion is important. — Companionships and kindness matter.

石橋を叩いて渡る (Ishibashi wo tataite wataru)

Tap a stone bridge before crossing it. — Be cautious even when it seems safe.

蓼食う虫も好き好き (Tade kuu mushi mo suki zuki)

There are even bugs that eat knotweed. — To each their own; tastes differ.

飛んで火に入る夏の虫 (Tonde hi ni iru natsu no mushi)

A summer insect flying into the fire. — Someone rushing headlong into danger or trouble.