玉磨かざれば光なし (Tama migakazareba hikari nashi)

Meaning: Talent must be developed through effort to shine.

Literally: A jewel not polished has no shine

Example: “才能があっても練習しなければ伸びない。玉磨かざれば光なしだ。” — Talent won't grow without practice: a gem cannot be polished without friction.

Equivalents in English

Origin: It goes back to the Chinese Book of Rites: jade that is not carved does not become a vessel.

Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.

空気が読めない (kūki ga yomenai) Completely oblivious to the unspoken social mood — the person who kills the atmosphere wi…
目に入れても痛くない (Me ni irete mo itakunai) Said of someone you adore completely, often a child or grandchild.
石頭 (Ishiatama) A stubborn, inflexible person who won't budge.

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