Japanese Proverbs

Every proverb in our collection, translated into Japanese. Each entry pairs the original saying with its Japanese translation, a literal rendering, and where it comes from.

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ペンは剣よりも強し (Pen wa ken yori mo tsuyoshi) — Writing and ideas have more influence than violence. Literally: The pen is stronger than the sword.
意志あるところに道あり (Ishi aru tokoro ni michi ari) — Determination will help you find a solution. Literally: Where there is will, there is a path.
血は水よりも濃い (Chi wa mizu yori mo koi) — Family bonds are stronger than other relationships. Literally: Blood is thicker than water.
三人寄れば文殊の知恵 (Sannin yoreba monju no chie) — Collaboration and diverse perspectives lead to better solutions. Literally: Three people together have the wisdom of Manjushri.
苦あれば楽あり (Ku areba raku ari) — You must work hard to achieve results. Literally: If there is suffering, there is ease.
因果応報 (Inga ōhō) — Your actions will eventually return to affect you. Literally: Cause and effect retribution.
沈黙は金 (Chinmoku wa kin) — Sometimes it's better to say nothing. Literally: Silence is gold.
隣の芝生は青い (Tonari no shibafu wa aoi) — What others have always seems better than what you have. Literally: The neighbor's lawn is blue/green.
明日の百より今日の五十 (Asu no hyaku yori kyō no gojū) — It's better to have something certain now than to risk it for something uncertain in the future. Literally: Fifty today is better than a hundred tomorrow.
習うより慣れろ (Narau yori narero) — Repeated practice leads to mastery. Literally: Get used to it rather than learning it.
類は友を呼ぶ (Rui wa tomo wo yobu) — People with similar interests or characteristics tend to associate with each other. Literally: Like calls to like.
困難な時こそ強い者が立ち上がる (Konnan na toki koso tsuyoi mono ga tachiagaru) — Strong people don't give up when faced with challenges. Literally: In difficult times, the strong rise up.
七転び八起き (Nana korobi ya oki) — Perseverance is the key to mastery and resilience. Literally: Seven falls, eight rises.
災い転じて福となす (Wazawai tenjite fuku to nasu) — Make the best of a bad situation. Literally: Turn disaster into fortune.
一つのカゴに全ての卵を入れるな (Hitotsu no kago ni subete no tamago wo ireru na) — Don't risk everything on one venture. Literally: Don't put all eggs in one basket.
目には目をでは世界は盲目になる (Me ni wa me wo de wa sekai wa mōmoku ni naru) — Responding to wrongdoing with more wrongdoing is never justified. Literally: An eye for an eye makes the world blind.
行動は言葉より雄弁 (Kōdō wa kotoba yori yūben) — What you do matters more than what you say. Literally: Actions are more eloquent than words.
ローマは一日にして成らず (Rōma wa ichinichi ni shite narazu) — Great things take time and patience. Literally: Rome was not built in one day.
雨降って地固まる (Ame futte ji katamaru) — There is always something positive in every difficult situation. Literally: After rain, the ground hardens.
正直は最善の策 (Shōjiki wa saizen no saku) — Being truthful is always the right approach. Literally: Honesty is the best strategy.
石橋を叩いて渡る (Ishibashi wo tataite wataru) — Think carefully before acting. Literally: Cross the stone bridge after tapping it.
人は見かけによらぬもの (Hito wa mikake ni yoranu mono) — Appearances can be deceiving. Literally: A person is not what they appear.
転ばぬ先の杖 (Korobanu saki no tsue) — Fixing a problem early prevents bigger issues later. Literally: A cane before falling.
捕らぬ狸の皮算用 (Toranu tanuki no kawazan'yō) — Don't assume success before it happens. Literally: Counting the skin of an uncaught raccoon dog.
船頭多くして船山に登る (Sendō ōku shite fune yama ni noboru) — Too many people involved can ruin a project. Literally: With too many captains, the ship climbs the mountain.
早起きは三文の徳 (Hayaoki wa sanmon no toku) — Those who act first gain advantage. Literally: Waking early is worth three coins.
遅くとも何もしないよりはまし (Osoku tomo nani mo shinai yori wa mashi) — Doing something late is better than not doing it at all. Literally: Late is better than doing nothing.
好奇心は猫をも殺す (Kōkishin wa neko wo mo korosu) — Being too inquisitive can lead to trouble. Literally: Curiosity can even kill a cat.
必要は発明の母 (Hitsuyō wa hatsumei no haha) — Difficult situations inspire creative solutions. Literally: Necessity is the mother of invention.
蛙の子は蛙 (Kaeru no ko wa kaeru) — Children often resemble their parents. Literally: A frog's child is a frog.
知は力なり (Chi wa chikara nari) — Education and learning give you strength and advantage. Literally: Knowledge is power.
時が全てを癒す (Toki ga subete wo iyasu) — Emotional pain fades with the passage of time. Literally: Time heals everything.
自業自得 (Jigō jitoku) — Your actions determine your outcomes. Literally: One's own karma, one's own reward.
笑う門には福来たる (Warau kado ni wa fuku kitaru) — Humor and joy can help overcome difficulties. Literally: Fortune comes to the gate that laughs.
火のない所に煙は立たぬ (Hi no nai tokoro ni kemuri wa tatanu) — Rumors or signs usually indicate some truth. Literally: Smoke doesn't rise where there is no fire.
急がば回れ (Isogaba maware) — Consistency and patience lead to success. Literally: If in a hurry, take a detour.
魚を与えるのではなく釣り方を教えよ (Sakana wo ataeru no de wa naku tsurikata wo oshieyo) — Teaching someone is more valuable than doing things for them. Literally: Don't give the fish, teach how to fish.
目には目をでは世界中が盲目になる (Me ni wa me wo de wa sekaijū ga mōmoku ni naru) — Revenge only creates more suffering. Literally: Eye for eye makes the whole world blind.
光るもの必ずしも金ならず (Hikaru mono kanarazu shimo kin narazu) — Appearances can be misleading. Literally: Things that shine are not necessarily gold.
己の欲せざる所、人に施す勿れ (Onore no hossezaru tokoro, hito ni hodokosu nakare) — Treat people the way you want to be treated. Literally: Do not impose on others what you do not wish for yourself.
待つ身は長い (Matsu mi wa nagai) — Time seems to pass slowly when you are waiting. Literally: Waiting feels long.
運は勇者を好む (Un wa yūsha wo konomu) — Taking risks often leads to rewards. Literally: Fortune favors the brave.
贅沢は言えない (Zeitaku wa ienai) — When you need help, you accept what's offered. Literally: One cannot afford luxury.
空の樽が最も大きな音を立てる (Kara no taru ga mottomo ōkina oto wo tateru) — Those who know the least often talk the most. Literally: Empty barrels make the loudest sound.
人生で最良のものは無料である (Jinsei de sairyō no mono wa muryō de aru) — The most valuable experiences don't cost money. Literally: The best things in life are free.
能ある鷹は爪を隠す (Nō aru taka wa tsume wo kakusu) — Quiet people often have great depth of character. Literally: A talented hawk hides its talons.
子育ては村全体の仕事 (Kosodate wa mura zentai no shigoto) — Community support is essential for child development. Literally: Raising children is the work of the whole village.
壊れていないなら直すな (Kowarete inai nara naosu na) — Don't change something that's working well. Literally: If it's not broken, don't fix it.
吠える犬は噛まない (Hoeru inu wa kamanai) — People who make threats rarely carry them out. Literally: A barking dog doesn't bite.
恩を仇で返すな (On wo ada de kaesu na) — Don't harm those who help you. Literally: Don't return kindness with enmity.
捨てる神あれば拾う神あり (Suteru kami areba hirou kami ari) — What one person discards, another may value. Literally: If there is a god who throws away, there is a god who picks up.
金のなる木はない (Kane no naru ki wa nai) — Money is hard to earn and should be spent wisely. Literally: There is no tree that grows money.
郷に入っては郷に従え (Gō ni itte wa gō ni shitagae) — Adapt to local customs when visiting a new place. Literally: When entering a village, follow the village.
自分のことを棚に上げて人を責めるな (Jibun no koto wo tana ni agete hito wo semeru na) — Don't criticize others if you have the same faults. Literally: Don't blame others while putting your own matters on the shelf.
果報は寝て待て (Kahō wa nete mate) — Patience is rewarded. Literally: Good fortune comes while sleeping and waiting.
友は近くに、敵はもっと近くに (Tomo wa chikaku ni, teki wa motto chikaku ni) — It's wise to monitor those who might harm you. Literally: Friends close, enemies closer.
百聞は一見に如かず (Hyakubun wa ikken ni shikazu) — Visual information communicates more effectively than text. Literally: Hearing a hundred times is not as good as seeing once.
会えない時間が愛を育てる (Aenai jikan ga ai wo sodateru) — Being apart makes you appreciate someone more. Literally: Time apart nurtures love.
器用貧乏 (Kiyō binbō) — Versatility can come at the cost of expertise. Literally: Skilled but poor.
住めば都 (Sumeba miyako) — Home is where you feel most comfortable. Literally: Where you live becomes the capital.
急いては事を仕損じる (Seite wa koto wo shisonjiru) — Rushing leads to mistakes and wasted effort. Literally: If you hurry, you'll mess things up.
覆水盆に返らず (Fukusui bon ni kaerazu) — Don't worry about things that have already happened. Literally: Spilled water doesn't return to the basin.
鉄は熱いうちに打て (Tetsu wa atsui uchi ni ute) — Act quickly when the opportunity presents itself. Literally: Strike the iron while it is hot.
馬を水辺に連れて行けるが水を飲ませることはできない (Uma wo mizube ni tsurete ikeru ga mizu wo nomaseru koto wa dekinai) — You can offer help, but you can't force someone to accept it. Literally: You can lead a horse to water but can't make it drink.
同病相憐れむ (Dōbyō ai awaremu) — Unhappy people seek others who are also suffering. Literally: Those with the same illness sympathize with each other.
泣く子は餅を多くもらう (Naku ko wa mochi wo ōku morau) — Those who complain the most get attention. Literally: The crying child gets more rice cakes.
長い物には巻かれろ (Nagai mono ni wa makarero) — If you can't win against something, align with it. Literally: Wrap yourself around long things.
一銭を笑う者は一銭に泣く (Issen wo warau mono wa issen ni naku) — Saving money is just as valuable as earning it. Literally: Those who laugh at a penny will cry over a penny.
地獄への道は善意で舗装されている (Jigoku e no michi wa zen'i de hosō sarete iru) — Good plans are worthless without follow-through. Literally: The road to hell is paved with good intentions.
悪銭身につかず (Akusen mi ni tsukazu) — Things obtained without effort are easily lost. Literally: Ill-gotten money doesn't stick.
卵を割らずにオムレツは作れない (Tamago wo warazuni omuretsu wa tsukurenai) — Progress requires sacrifice. Literally: You can't make an omelette without breaking eggs.
死なない程度の困難は人を強くする (Shinanai teido no konnan wa hito wo tsuyoku suru) — Adversity builds resilience and character. Literally: Hardship that doesn't kill makes one stronger.
タンゴを踊るには二人必要 (Tango wo odoru ni wa futari hitsuyō) — Both parties are responsible in a conflict. Literally: Two people are needed to dance the tango.
去る者日々に疎し (Saru mono hibi ni utoshi) — We tend to forget things or people we don't see. Literally: Those who leave become distant day by day.
論より証拠 (Ron yori shōko) — Results speak louder than promises. Literally: Evidence over argument.
真実はあなたを自由にする (Shinjitsu wa anata wo jiyū ni suru) — Honesty and truth lead to liberation. Literally: The truth will make you free.
虎穴に入らずんば虎子を得ず (Koketsu ni irazunba koji wo ezu) — You must take risks to achieve rewards. Literally: Without entering the tiger's den, you cannot get the tiger's cub.
団結すれば立ち、分裂すれば倒れる (Danketsu sureba tachi, bunretsu sureba taoreru) — Strength comes from unity. Literally: United we stand, divided we fall.
歴史から学ばない者はそれを繰り返す運命にある (Rekishi kara manabanai mono wa sore wo kurikaesu unmei ni aru) — Ignoring past mistakes leads to repeating them. Literally: Those who don't learn from history are fated to repeat it.
過ちは人の常、許すは神の心 (Ayamachi wa hito no tsune, yurusu wa kami no kokoro) — Making mistakes is natural; forgiving them is noble. Literally: Mistakes are human nature, forgiveness is the heart of God.
人は人、我は我 (Hito wa hito, ware wa ware) — Be tolerant of others' choices and lifestyles. Literally: Others are others, I am I.
毒を食らわば皿まで (Doku wo kurawaba sara made) — Once committed to something, go all the way with it. Literally: If you eat poison, lick the plate too.
猫に九生あり (Neko ni kyūsei ari) — Cats (or resilient people) survive many dangerous situations. Literally: A cat has nine lives.
出る杭は打たれる (Deru kui wa utareru) — Being first isn't always advantageous — sometimes it's risky. Literally: The nail that sticks out gets hammered down.
角を矯めて牛を殺す (Tsuno wo tamete ushi wo korosu) — Don't discard something valuable while getting rid of unwanted things. Literally: Killing the ox by straightening its horns.
あちらを立てればこちらが立たず (Achira wo tatereba kochira ga tatazu) — Solve one problem by creating another. Literally: If one side stands, the other cannot.
恋と戦は手段を選ばず (Koi to ikusa wa shudan wo erabazu) — Normal rules don't apply in romance or conflict. Literally: In love and war, any means is acceptable.
二兎を追う者は一兎をも得ず (Nito wo ou mono wa itto wo mo ezu) — You can't enjoy two mutually exclusive things simultaneously. Literally: He who chases two rabbits catches neither.
備えあれば憂いなし (Sonae areba urei nashi) — It's wiser to be cautious than to take unnecessary risks. Literally: If prepared, there is no worry.
地の果てまで (Chi no hate made) — Going to any length for something or someone. Literally: To the ends of the earth.
一難去ってまた一難 (Ichinan satte mata ichinan) — Escaping one bad situation only to end up in a worse one. Literally: One trouble passes, another arrives.
好景気は皆に恩恵をもたらす (Kōkeiki wa mina ni onkei wo motarasu) — General improvements benefit everyone. Literally: Good times bring benefits to all.
名は体を表さず (Na wa tai wo arawasazu) — The essence of something doesn't depend on what it's called. Literally: A name does not always reflect the essence.
一石二鳥 (Isseki nichō) — Accomplish two tasks with a single action. Literally: One stone, two birds.
目くそ鼻くそを笑う (Mekuso hanakuso wo warau) — Criticizing someone for a flaw you yourself possess. Literally: Eye gunk laughs at nose gunk.
身の程を知れ (Mi no hodo wo shire) — Don't take on more than you can handle. Literally: Know your own limits.
犬も歩けば棒に当たる (Inu mo arukeba bō ni ataru) — Everyone will have their moment of success or good fortune. Literally: Even a dog walking will hit a stick.
綺麗な薔薇には棘がある (Kirei na bara ni wa toge ga aru) — Even the best things have their drawbacks. Literally: A beautiful rose has thorns.
失敗は成功のもと (Shippai wa seikō no moto) — Success requires learning from mistakes. Literally: Failure is the foundation of success.
真の友は逆境で知る (Shin no tomo wa gyakkyō de shiru) — True friends show their worth during difficult times. Literally: True friends are known in adversity.
出る杭は打たれる (Deru kui wa utareru) — Constant complainers may be removed rather than accommodated. Literally: The nail that sticks out gets hammered down.
終わり良ければ全て良し (Owari yokereba subete yoshi) — A good outcome justifies the difficulties along the way. Literally: If the end is good, everything is good.
転石苔を生ぜず (Tenseki koke wo shōzezu) — Those who keep moving avoid stagnation (or commitments). Literally: A rolling stone gathers no moss.
功は功、罪は罪 (Kō wa kō, tsumi wa tsumi) — Acknowledge others' contributions fairly. Literally: Merit is merit, crime is crime.
蓼食う虫も好き好き (Tade kuu mushi mo sukizuki) — Perception of beauty is subjective and personal. Literally: Some bugs even prefer bitter knotweed.
鎖は最も弱い環の強さ (Kusari wa mottomo yowai wa no tsuyosa) — A group's effectiveness is limited by its weakest member. Literally: A chain is the strength of its weakest link.
千里の道も一歩から (Senri no michi mo ippo kara) — Great accomplishments start with small beginnings. Literally: A thousand-mile journey begins with one step.
大きいほど倒れ方も激しい (Ōkii hodo taorekata mo hageshii) — Powerful people suffer greater consequences when they fail. Literally: The bigger something is, the harder it falls.
柔よく剛を制す (Jū yoku gō wo seisu) — Act gently but maintain the power to enforce if needed. Literally: Softness controls hardness.
美人薄命 (Bijin hakumei) — Physical appearance is superficial; character matters more. Literally: Beauty is fleeting.
退路を断つな (Tairo wo tatsu na) — Don't destroy relationships you might need later. Literally: Don't cut off your retreat.
我が家に勝る所なし (Wagaya ni masaru tokoro nashi) — No matter where you go, home remains the best place. Literally: No place surpasses one's own home.
沈黙は雄弁より雄弁 (Chinmoku wa yūben yori yūben) — What is not said can be more meaningful than what is. Literally: Silence is more eloquent than eloquence.
豚に真珠 (Buta ni shinju) — Giving something valuable to those who can't appreciate it. Literally: Pearls to a pig.
悪名も無名にまさる (Akumei mo mumei ni masaru) — Any attention, even negative, can be beneficial. Literally: Bad fame surpasses no fame.
言行一致 (Genkō itchi) — Live according to the principles you advocate. Literally: Words and actions in accord.
後知恵は完璧 (Atojie wa kanpeki) — Past decisions are always clearer in retrospect. Literally: Hindsight is perfect.
清潔は美徳なり (Seiketsu wa bitoku nari) — Being clean is a virtue akin to being pious. Literally: Cleanliness is a virtue.
寝た子を起こすな (Neta ko wo okosu na) — Don't stir up trouble that has settled down. Literally: Don't wake the sleeping child.
好機は二度と来ない (Kōki wa nido to konai) — Chances don't come twice; seize them when they appear. Literally: Good opportunity does not come twice.
驕れる者久しからず (Ogoreru mono hisashikarazu) — Arrogance often precedes failure. Literally: The arrogant do not last long.
一日一個のリンゴで医者いらず (Ichinichi ikko no ringo de isha irazu) — Regular healthy habits prevent illness. Literally: One apple a day, no doctor needed.
狂気の中にも理あり (Kyōki no naka ni mo ri ari) — Apparent chaos may have an underlying purpose. Literally: There is reason even in madness.
天網恢恢疎にして漏らさず (Tenmō kaikai so ni shite morasazu) — Justice takes time but eventually arrives. Literally: Heaven's net is wide, but nothing escapes it.
神は細部に宿る (Kami wa saibu ni yadoru) — Small details can cause major problems. Literally: God resides in the details.
歯を食いしばる (Ha wo kuishibaru) — Face an unpleasant situation with courage. Literally: Clench your teeth.
十人十色 (Jūnin toiro) — Diversity makes life interesting. Literally: Ten people, ten colors.
盛者必衰 (Jōsha hissui) — Nothing pleasant lasts forever. Literally: The prosperous must decline.
噂をすれば影 (Uwasa wo sureba kage) — Said when someone appears just as they're being discussed. Literally: Speak of rumors, and a shadow appears.
全員を満足させることはできない (Zen'in wo manzoku saseru koto wa dekinai) — It's impossible to satisfy every person all the time. Literally: You cannot satisfy everyone.
無いよりはまし (Nai yori wa mashi) — Something is better than nothing. Literally: Better than having nothing.
車輪の再発明は無用 (Sharin no saihatsumei wa muyō) — Don't waste effort on solved problems. Literally: Reinventing the wheel is useless.
本末転倒 (Honmatsu tentō) — Do things in the correct order. Literally: Reversing root and branch.
遠回りが近道 (Tōmawari ga chikamichi) — Sometimes unconventional paths lead to correct outcomes. Literally: The long way is the shortcut.
七転び八起き (Nanakorobi yaoki) — Persistence is essential to success. Literally: Seven falls, eight rises.
目的のためには手段を選ばず (Mokuteki no tame ni wa shudan wo erabazu) — A good outcome excuses questionable methods. Literally: For the goal, choose no means.
偉人の考えは似ている (Ijin no kangae wa nite iru) — Intelligent people often reach the same conclusions. Literally: The thoughts of great people are similar.
三人寄れば文殊の知恵 (Sannin yoreba Monju no chie) — Tasks are easier when shared among many people. Literally: Three people together have Manjusri's wisdom.
今日できることを明日に延ばすな (Kyō dekiru koto wo asu ni nobasu na) — Avoid procrastination. Literally: Don't postpone to tomorrow what you can do today.
三つ子の魂百まで (Mitsugo no tamashii hyaku made) — People can't fundamentally change their nature. Literally: The soul of a three-year-old lasts until a hundred.
鬼の居ぬ間に洗濯 (Oni no inu ma ni sentaku) — People behave freely when authority is absent. Literally: Do laundry while the demon's away.
恨みは忘れず (Urami wa wasurezu) — Certain offenses are never truly forgiven. Literally: Resentment is not forgotten.
同じ場所に二度雷は落ちない (Onaji basho ni nido kaminari wa ochinai) — Rare events are unlikely to happen to the same person twice. Literally: Lightning doesn't fall twice in the same place.
血と汗と涙 (Chi to ase to namida) — Great achievement requires immense effort and sacrifice. Literally: Blood and sweat and tears.
その時はその時 (Sono toki wa sono toki) — Deal with problems only when they arise. Literally: That time is that time.
ハイリスク・ハイリターン (Hairisuku hairitān) — Greater rewards require greater risks. Literally: High risk, high return.
慈善は家庭から始まる (Jizen wa katei kara hajimaru) — Take care of your own family before helping others. Literally: Charity begins at home.
分断して統治せよ (Bundan shite tōchi seyo) — Achieve dominance by breaking opposition into smaller parts. Literally: Divide and rule.
貰った物にケチをつけるな (Moratta mono ni kechi wo tsukeru na) — Don't question the value of a gift. Literally: Don't find fault with what you received.
泣きっ面に蜂 (Nakittsura ni hachi) — Troubles often come all at once. Literally: A bee on a crying face.
全ての道はローマに通ず (Subete no michi wa Rōma ni tsūzu) — There are many ways to reach the same goal. Literally: All roads lead to Rome.
学びに年齢はない (Manabi ni nenrei wa nai) — Learning is a lifelong process. Literally: There is no age for learning.
耐えられないなら去れ (Taerarenai nara sare) — If you can't handle pressure, leave the situation. Literally: If you can't endure, leave.
十人十色 (Jūnin toiro) — Everyone has their own preferences and choices. Literally: Ten people, ten colors.
老犬に新芸は教えられぬ (Rōken ni shingei wa oshierarenu) — It's difficult to change established habits. Literally: You can't teach new tricks to an old dog.
人の行く裏に道あり花の山 (Hito no yuku ura ni michi ari hana no yama) — Unconventional choices often lead to the most meaningful outcomes. Literally: Behind where people go, there is a mountain of flowers.
ただより高いものはない (Tada yori takai mono wa nai) — Everything has a hidden cost. Literally: Nothing is more expensive than free.
最初の一歩が一番難しい (Saisho no ippo ga ichiban muzukashii) — Starting something new requires the most courage. Literally: The first step is the hardest.
美女と野獣 (Bijo to yajū) — Opposites can coexist or attract. Literally: Beautiful woman and wild beast.
時計を見続けると時間は止まる (Tokei wo mitsuzukeru to jikan wa tomaru) — Time seems slower when you're focused on it. Literally: If you keep watching the clock, time stops.
備えあれば憂いなし (Sonae areba urei nashi) — Optimism should be balanced with practical preparation. Literally: If prepared, there is no worry.
針小棒大 (Shinshō bōdai) — Don't exaggerate small problems. Literally: Making a needle into a stick.
忍耐は美徳 (Nintai wa bitoku) — The ability to wait calmly is a valuable quality. Literally: Patience is a virtue.
見たまま、そのまま (Mita mama, sono mama) — There's nothing hidden or disguised. Literally: As seen, as is.
諸行無常 (Shogyō mujō) — All worldly things are temporary. Literally: All things are impermanent.
先着順 (Senchaku jun) — Opportunities go to those who arrive early. Literally: Order of arrival.
空腹は最高の調味料 (Kūfuku wa saikō no chōmiryō) — Food tastes better when you're truly hungry. Literally: Hunger is the best seasoning.
母の手が世界を動かす (Haha no te ga sekai wo ugokasu) — Mothers have profound influence on society. Literally: A mother's hand moves the world.
便りのないのは良い便り (Tayori no nai no wa yoi tayori) — The absence of bad news is itself good news. Literally: No news is good news.
自分のことは自分で (Jibun no koto wa jibun de) — In crisis, everyone must look after their own interests. Literally: Each person for themselves.
人は一人では生きられない (Hito wa hitori de wa ikirarenai) — Humans need connection with others. Literally: A person cannot live alone.
当てはまるなら認めよ (Atehamaru nara mitomeyo) — Accept criticism that accurately applies to you. Literally: If it applies, accept it.
迷う者は敗れる (Mayou mono wa yabureru) — Indecision leads to missed opportunities. Literally: Those who hesitate are defeated.
鬼に金棒 (Oni ni kanabō) — Those given power abuse it worst. Literally: Giving an iron club to a demon.
親しき仲にも礼儀あり (Shitashiki naka ni mo reigi ari) — Being too close to something can reduce appreciation for it. Literally: Even in close relationships, there is etiquette.
愚者に金は残らず (Gusha ni kane wa nokorazu) — Foolish people quickly lose their wealth. Literally: Money doesn't remain with fools.
お客様は神様 (Okyaku-sama wa kami-sama) — In business, the customer's satisfaction takes priority. Literally: The customer is a god.
穏やかな海では優れた船乗りは育たない (Odayaka na umi de wa sugureta funanori wa sodatanai) — Hardship and challenges are what build true expertise and resilience. Literally: A skilled sailor is not raised in a calm sea.
木を植えるのに最善の時は二十年前だった。次善の時は今だ (Ki wo ueru no ni saizen no toki wa nijūnen mae datta. Jizen no toki wa ima da) — The right time to act is always now, no matter how late it feels. Literally: The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The next best time is now.
前途を知るには、帰ってくる人に聞け (Zento wo shiru niwa, kaette kuru hito ni kike) — Learn from people with experience before embarking on an unfamiliar path. Literally: To know what lies ahead, ask those who have returned.
玉磨かざれば光なし (Tama migakazareba hikari nashi) — Excellence and greatness are only achieved through struggle and hardship. Literally: A jewel not polished has no shine.
点滴石をも穿つ (Tenteki ishi wo mo ugatsu) — Persistent small efforts accomplish what force alone cannot. Literally: Dripping water pierces even stone.
夜明け前が最も暗い (Yoake mae ga mottomo kurai) — Situations often worsen right before they improve dramatically. Literally: Just before dawn is the darkest.
曲がる竹は折れないが、抵抗する樫は折れる (Magaru take wa orenai ga, teikō suru kashi wa oreru) — Flexibility and adaptability are greater strengths than rigid resistance. Literally: Bending bamboo doesn't break, but the resisting oak does.
その人を知りたければ友人を見よ (Sono hito wo shiritakereba yūjin wo miyo) — The company you keep reflects and shapes your own character. Literally: If you want to know a person, look at their friends.
優しい言葉は鉄の門を開く (Yasashii kotoba wa tetsu no mon wo hiraku) — Kindness and diplomacy can overcome even the most resistant obstacles. Literally: A gentle word opens an iron gate.
弟子の準備が整えば、師が現れる (Deshi no junbi ga totonōeba, shi ga arawareru) — Learning happens when one is truly open and prepared to receive knowledge. Literally: When the disciple is prepared, the master appears.
一言の優しさが三冬を暖める (Hitokoto no yasashisa ga mifuyu wo atatameru) — A single act of kindness has an impact far greater and longer-lasting than the moment it was given. Literally: One kind word warms three winters.
愚者も黙していれば賢者に見える (Gusha mo damashite ireba kenja ni mieru) — Saying nothing is often wiser than speaking without knowledge. Literally: A fool who keeps silent appears to be wise.
暗闇を呪うより、ろうそくに火を灯せ (Kurayami wo norou yori, rōsoku ni hi wo tomose) — Taking constructive action is more effective than complaining about a problem. Literally: Rather than cursing the darkness, light a candle.
質問をする者は五分間の馬鹿、質問しない者は永遠の馬鹿 (Shitsumon wo suru mono wa gofunkan no baka, shitsumon shinai mono wa eien no baka) — Admitting ignorance and seeking knowledge is always wiser than pretending to understand. Literally: He who asks is a fool for five minutes; he who doesn't remains a fool forever.
魚は頭から腐る (Sakana wa atama kara kusaru) — Problems in an organization or society start at the top, with its leaders. Literally: A fish rots from the head.
靴の痛みは履いている者だけが知る (Kutsu no itami wa haite iru mono dake ga shiru) — Only the person experiencing a difficulty truly understands its depth. Literally: Only the one wearing the shoe knows where it hurts.
転んだ場所ではなく、滑った場所を見よ (Koronda basho de wa naku, subetta basho wo miyo) — Focus on the root cause of a problem rather than just its consequence. Literally: Look not at where you fell, but where you slipped.
斧は忘れる、しかし木は覚えている (Ono wa wasureru, shikashi ki wa oboete iru) — Those who cause harm often forget quickly, while those who suffer carry the wound far longer. Literally: The axe forgets, but the tree remembers.
太陽にも黒点がある (Taiyō ni mo kokuten ga aru) — Nothing and nobody is perfect; even the greatest things have their flaws. Literally: Even the sun has sunspots.
舌に骨はないが、心を砕くには十分に強い (Shita ni hone wa nai ga, kokoro wo kudaku niwa jūbun ni tsuyoi) — Words, though intangible, can inflict deep and lasting wounds. Literally: The tongue has no bone, but it is strong enough to crush a heart.
健康な者は希望を持ち、希望を持つ者はすべてを持つ (Kenkō na mono wa kibō wo mochi, kibō wo motsu mono wa subete wo motsu) — Good health is the foundation upon which all other good things in life are built. Literally: The healthy have hope, and those with hope have everything.
悩みは分かち合えば半分になる (Nayami wa wakachiaeba hanbun ni naru) — Talking about difficulties with others makes them easier to bear and to solve. Literally: If you share your worries, they become half.
水は自ずから水平を保つ (Mizu wa onozukara suihei wo tamotsu) — People and things naturally settle into their proper place over time. Literally: Water naturally maintains its level.
クモの巣が束になれば、ライオンを縛ることができる (Kumo no su ga taba ni nareba, raion wo shibaru koto ga dekiru) — Collective effort by many can overcome even the most powerful opposition. Literally: When spiderwebs unite, they can bind a lion.
最も上手く歌う鳥だけが歌うなら、森は沈黙するだろう (Mottomo umaku utau tori dake ga utau nara, mori wa chinmoku suru darō) — Everyone has a unique contribution; holding back out of self-doubt robs the world. Literally: If only the best singing bird sang, the forest would be silent.
若木が曲げられる方向に木は育つ (Wakagi ga magerareru hōkō ni ki wa sodatsu) — Early experiences and upbringing shape a person's lifelong character and habits. Literally: A tree grows in the direction the young plant was bent.
内輪もめする家は滅びる (Uchiwa mome suru ie wa horobiru) — Internal conflict destroys an organization from within; unity is essential for survival. Literally: A house of internal conflict will perish.
牛は遅いが、大地は辛抱強い (Ushi wa osoi ga, daichi wa shimbōzuyoi) — Steady, unhurried work in harmony with natural rhythms eventually yields abundance. Literally: The ox is slow, but the earth is patient.
月は犬の吠え声を気にしない (Tsuki wa inu no hoegoe wo ki ni shinai) — Those with true integrity remain unaffected by baseless criticism or petty noise. Literally: The moon does not mind the barking of dogs.
知れば知るほど、知らないことがわかる (Shireba shiruhodo, shiranai koto ga wakaru) — True knowledge reveals the vastness of what remains to be learned. Literally: The more you know, the more you understand what you don't know.
速く行きたければ一人で行け、遠くへ行きたければ一緒に行け (Hayaku ikitakereba hitori de ike, tōku e ikitakereba issho ni ike) — Short-term speed comes from solitude; long-term achievement comes from collaboration. Literally: If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.
最大の財産は健康である (Saidai no zaisan wa kenkō de aru) — Good health is more valuable than any material possession or social status. Literally: The greatest treasure is health.
裁くな、裁かれないために (Sabaku na, sabakarenai tame ni) — We should refrain from judging others because we ourselves are imperfect. Literally: Do not judge, so that you will not be judged.
他人のために灯明を灯せば、自分の道も明るくなる (Tanin no tame ni tōmyō wo tomosereba, jibun no michi mo akaruku naru) — Helping others ultimately benefits yourself as well. Literally: If you light a lamp for others, your own path will also be brightened.
下手な職人は道具のせいにする (Heta na shokunin wa dōgu no sei ni suru) — Incompetent people blame external factors for their failures instead of taking responsibility. Literally: A poor craftsman blames his tools.
清い良心ほど柔らかい枕はない (Kiyoi ryōshin hodo yawarakai makura wa nai) — Peace of mind and restful sleep come only from living and acting honorably. Literally: There is no pillow softer than a clear conscience.
鷲は蠅を捕まえない (Washi wa hae wo tsukamaenai) — People of high purpose and ambition don't concern themselves with petty matters. Literally: An eagle does not catch flies.
法律が多いほど、正義が少ない (Hōritsu ga ōi hodo, seigi ga sukunai) — Excessive rules and regulations can undermine rather than promote fairness. Literally: The more laws there are, the less justice there is.
同じ川に二度入ることはできない (Onaji kawa ni nido hairu koto wa dekinai) — Everything is constantly in flux; no experience can ever truly be repeated. Literally: You cannot step into the same river twice.
壁に耳あり (Kabe ni mimi ari) — Be careful what you say — you may be overheard in unexpected places. Literally: Walls have ears.
物語を語る者が世界を支配する (Monogatari wo kataru mono ga sekai wo shihai suru) — Whoever controls the narratives shapes beliefs, cultures, and civilizations. Literally: The one who tells stories rules the world.
少しの知識は危険なものだ (Sukoshi no chishiki wa kiken na mono da) — Partial knowledge breeds overconfidence and can be more harmful than honest ignorance. Literally: A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
よく言うよりもよく行うことの方が重要 (Yoku iu yori mo yoku okonau koto no hō ga jūyō) — Actions and results are far more valuable than promises and fine words. Literally: Doing well is more important than saying well.
鳴く猫は鼠をとらぬ (Naku neko wa nezumi wo toranu) — Complaining and making noise accomplishes nothing; quiet, focused effort gets results. Literally: A meowing cat catches no mice.
山を動かす者は小石を運ぶことから始める (Yama wo ugokasu mono wa koishi wo hakobu koto kara hajimeru) — Great accomplishments are only possible through gradual, persistent small efforts. Literally: He who moves a mountain begins by carrying small stones.
井の中の蛙大海を知らず (I no naka no kawazu taikai wo shirazu) — Those with limited experience cannot comprehend the vastness of the wider world. Literally: A frog in a well does not know the great sea.
喜びを分かち合えば二倍になり、悲しみを分かち合えば半分になる (Yorokobi wo wakachiaeba nibai ni nari, kanashimi wo wakachiaeba hanbun ni naru) — Happiness multiplies and burdens lighten when shared with others. Literally: Shared joy doubles; shared sorrow halves.
空腹には耳がない (Kūfuku ni wa mimi ga nai) — People cannot focus on anything else when their most basic needs are unmet. Literally: An empty stomach has no ears.
戦いの中の犬の大きさではなく、犬の中の戦いの大きさが重要 (Tatakai no naka no inu no ōkisa de wa naku, inu no naka no tatakai no ōkisa ga jūyō) — Determination and spirit matter far more than physical size or advantage. Literally: Not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog.
始まりよければ終わりよし (Hajimari yokereba owari yoshi) — How you start something largely determines how it will finish; preparation and intention matter. Literally: If the beginning is good, the ending is good.
口から出た言葉は取り戻せない (Kuchi kara deta kotoba wa torimodosenai) — Choose your words carefully, for once said they cannot be unsaid. Literally: Words that leave the mouth cannot be retrieved.
親切は耳の聞こえない人も聞け、目の見えない人も見られる言葉だ (Shinsetsu wa mimi no kikoenai hito mo kike, me no mienai hito mo mirareru kotoba da) — Acts of kindness transcend words and communicate beyond all physical limitations. Literally: Kindness is a language the deaf can hear and the blind can see.
口数の多い者は過ちも多い (Kuchikazu no ōi mono wa ayamachi mo ōi) — The more you speak, the more likely you are to make mistakes or say the wrong thing. Literally: Those who speak much also make many mistakes.
口は禍の元 (Kuchi wa wazawai no moto) — Careless speech can bring serious consequences upon the speaker. Literally: The mouth is the origin of disaster.
柔らかな答えは怒りを鎮める (Yawarakana kotae wa ikari wo shizumeru) — Responding calmly to anger defuses conflict; harsh replies only escalate it. Literally: A gentle answer calms anger.
黙って賢者と思われる方が、口を開いて愚者と証明するよりましだ (Damatte kenja to omowareru hō ga, kuchi wo hirate gūsha to shōmei suru yori mashi da) — Staying quiet is often wiser than speaking and confirming your ignorance. Literally: It is better to be silent and thought wise than to open your mouth and prove you're a fool.
言葉は少なく、行いは多く (Kotoba wa sukunaku, okonai wa ōku) — Let your actions speak louder than your words; promise less and deliver more. Literally: Fewer words, more deeds.
鳴り響く雷は雨が少ない (Naribiku kaminari wa ame ga sukunai) — The most dramatic announcements often yield the least substance. Literally: A booming thunder has little rain.
どれほどゆっくりでも前進すれば、止まるよりはましだ (Dore hodo yukkuri demo zenshin sureba, tomaru yori wa mashi da) — Progress at any pace is still progress; what matters is persisting, not speed. Literally: Even slow progress is better than stopping.
偉大な業績は力ではなく忍耐によって成し遂げられる (Idai na gyōseki wa chikara de wa naku nintai ni yotte nashitogerareru) — Long-term persistence is more powerful than raw ability or brute force. Literally: Great achievements are accomplished not by strength but by perseverance.
偉大でなくても始められるが、始めなければ偉大になれない (Idai de nakute mo hajimerareru ga, hajimenakereba idai ni narenai) — Greatness is not a prerequisite for beginning; beginning is the path to greatness. Literally: You don't have to be great to start, but you can't become great without starting.
足を引きずっていても、まだ歩いている (Ashi wo hikizutte ite mo, mada aruite iru) — Even imperfect progress is still progress; do not let imperfection stop you. Literally: Even limping, one is still walking.
星は暗闇なしに輝くことができない (Hoshi wa kurayami nashi ni kagayaku koto ga dekinai) — Hardship and struggle are what allow our greatest qualities to become visible. Literally: Stars cannot shine without darkness.
最も高い塔も一つのレンガから始まった (Mottomo takai tō mo hitotsu no renga kara hajimatta) — Every great achievement starts with one humble first step. Literally: Even the tallest tower started from a single brick.
耐える者が勝つ (Taeru mono ga katsu) — Persistence and endurance are the ultimate keys to victory. Literally: He who endures wins.
忍耐を失うことは戦いを失うことだ (Nintai wo ushinau koto wa tatakai wo ushinau koto da) — Losing your composure under pressure ensures defeat; staying calm is essential to success. Literally: To lose patience is to lose the battle.
魚は餌を見るが釣り針を見ない (Sakana wa esa wo miru ga tsuribari wo minai) — People are often tempted by apparent benefits while ignoring the hidden dangers. Literally: The fish sees the bait but not the hook.
見えないものは気にならない (Mienai mono wa ki ni naranai) — We only suffer from what we know about; ignorance can sometimes bring a measure of peace. Literally: What you can't see doesn't worry you.
私たちは繰り返し行うことのものだ (Watashitachi wa kurikaeshi okonau koto no mono da) — Character and identity are shaped not by occasional acts but by consistent daily habits. Literally: We are what we repeatedly do.
雨は一軒の屋根だけに降るのではない (Ame wa ikken no yane dake ni furu no de wa nai) — Hardship and misfortune are universal; no single person suffers alone. Literally: Rain does not fall on only one roof.
木を見て森を見ず (Ki wo mite mori wo mizu) — Being too focused on small details can prevent you from seeing the overall picture. Literally: Seeing the trees but not the forest.
狼は毛を変えても性質は変えない (Ōkami wa ke wo kaete mo seishitsu wa kaenai) — Surface appearances can change, but a person's fundamental nature remains the same. Literally: The wolf changes its coat but not its character.
さまよう者がすべて迷っているわけではない (Samayou mono ga subete mayotte iru wake de wa nai) — Those who explore unconventional paths may have a deeper sense of direction than it appears. Literally: Not all those who wander are lost.
人はお互いの鏡 (Hito wa otagai no kagami) — We see our own nature reflected in how we treat others and how others respond to us. Literally: People are mirrors to each other.
他者を知る者は賢者、自分を知る者は悟者 (Tasha wo shiru mono wa kenja, jibun wo shiru mono wa satorisha) — Understanding others requires wisdom, but self-knowledge is the highest form of understanding. Literally: He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself has attained enlightenment.
二度測って一度切れ (Nido hakatte ichido kire) — Take time to plan carefully before acting, to avoid costly and irreversible mistakes. Literally: Measure twice, cut once.
最高の鏡は古い友人だ (Saikō no kagami wa furui yūjin da) — True friends who have known us for a long time see us most clearly and honestly. Literally: The best mirror is an old friend.
怪物と戦う者は自分が怪物にならないよう気をつけよ (Kaibutsu to tatakau mono wa jibun ga kaibutsu ni naranai yō ki wo tsukereyo) — In struggling against evil, we risk adopting the very characteristics we oppose. Literally: He who fights monsters should take care not to become one.
知恵は驚きから始まる (Chie wa odoroki kara hajimaru) — Curiosity and a sense of amazement at the world are the foundations of all knowledge. Literally: Wisdom begins with wonder.
どこにでもいる者はどこにもいない (Doko ni demo iru mono wa doko ni mo inai) — Trying to do too many things at once means accomplishing nothing properly. Literally: He who is everywhere is nowhere.
道のあるところに行くな。道のないところへ行って痕跡を残せ (Michi no aru tokoro ni iku na. Michi no nai tokoro e itte konseki wo nokose) — True innovation and leadership mean forging your own way rather than following the crowd. Literally: Don't go where there is a path. Go where there is no path and leave a trace.
釘は釘で打ち出す (Kugi wa kugi de uchidasu) — New habits, relationships, or ideas can effectively replace and eliminate old ones. Literally: A nail is driven out by a nail.
始まりはすべての行為の半分 (Hajimari wa subete no kōi no hanbun) — Starting something difficult is the hardest part; once begun, completion comes more naturally. Literally: The beginning is half of every action.
障害こそが道 (Shōgai koso ga michi) — Difficulties are not barriers to our goals but the very means by which we achieve them. Literally: The obstacle itself is the path.
大きな丘を登った後、更に多くの丘があることに気づく (Ōkina oka wo nobotta nochi, sara ni ōku no oka ga aru koto ni kizuku) — Every achievement reveals further challenges ahead; success is a continuous journey. Literally: After climbing a great hill, you find there are many more hills.
幸運は準備された心を好む (Kōun wa junbi sareta kokoro wo konomu) — Success comes not from luck alone but from being ready to seize opportunities when they arise. Literally: Fortune favors the prepared mind.
あらゆる壁はドアだ (Arayuru kabe wa doa da) — What appears to be an impassable barrier can be transformed into an opportunity. Literally: Every wall is a door.
恐怖は狼を実際より大きく見せる (Kyōfu wa ōkami wo jissai yori ōkiku miseru) — Anxiety and worry magnify threats beyond their actual size. Literally: Fear makes the wolf appear larger than it is.
やり遂げるまでは、いつも不可能に見える (Yaritogeru made wa, itsumo fukanō ni mieru) — Before any achievement, it appears beyond reach; only completion reveals it was always possible. Literally: Until it is accomplished, it always appears impossible.
傷を知恵に変えよ (Kizu wo chie ni kaeyo) — Our deepest pains and failures can become our greatest teachers and sources of strength. Literally: Turn your wounds into wisdom.
大胆な者が勝つ (Daitan na mono ga katsu) — Bold action and courage are rewarded; timidity leads to missed opportunities. Literally: The bold one wins.
汝自身を知れ (Nanji jishin wo shire) — Self-knowledge and self-awareness are the foundation of all wisdom and right living. Literally: Know thyself.
無駄をなくせば欠乏もない (Muda wo nakuseba ketsubō mo nai) — Using things carefully and avoiding waste prevents future need and scarcity. Literally: If you eliminate waste, there is no want.
罪に見合う罰を (Tsumi ni miau batsu wo) — Penalties should be proportional and appropriate to the offense committed. Literally: Let the punishment be commensurate with the crime.
悪を許す者はそれを命じるに等しい (Aku wo yurusu mono wa sore wo meijiru ni hitoshii) — Silently allowing wrongdoing makes you as responsible as the wrongdoer. Literally: He who permits evil is equal to commanding it.
真実はほとんど純粋でなく、決して単純ではない (Shinjitsu wa hotondo junsui de naku, kesshite tanjun de wa nai) — Reality is complex and nuanced; anyone claiming simple certainty should be viewed with skepticism. Literally: The truth is rarely pure and never simple.
人格とは誰も見ていない時に何をするかだ (Jinkaku to wa dare mo mite inai toki ni nani wo suru ka da) — True virtue is shown not in public performances but in private actions when there are no witnesses. Literally: Character is what you do when no one is watching.
最短の答えはそれ自体をすることだ (Saitan no kotae wa sorejishin wo suru koto da) — Action is more effective than deliberation; the most direct response to a challenge is to confront it. Literally: The shortest answer is to do the thing itself.
意志ある心に不可能はない (Ishi aru kokoro ni fukanō wa nai) — With true determination and commitment, any obstacle can be overcome. Literally: For a willing heart, nothing is impossible.
賢さの技は何を見過ごすかを知ることだ (Kashikosa no waza wa nani wo misugosu ka wo shiru koto da) — True wisdom includes knowing which details and offenses are not worth your attention or energy. Literally: The art of wisdom is knowing what to overlook.
勝利者に略奪品を行きます — Traditional English proverb.
朱に交われば赤くなる — Traditional English proverb.

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