Untranslatable wordNature
Japanese
Wabi-sabi
Meaning: Finding beauty in imperfection, impermanence, and the worn or incomplete.
Literally: Subdued, austere beauty
Origin: Japanese 侘寂; rooted in Zen aesthetics.
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Explore another collection: Proverbs
Short sayings of timeless wisdom from more than 50 cultures, each with its meaning and origin.
- 備えあれば憂いなし (Sonae areba urei nashi) If you are prepared, you have nothing to worry about.
- 弘法筆を選ばず (Kōbō fude wo erabazu) A true master does good work whatever the tools.
- 三人寄れば文殊の知恵 (Sannin yoreba Monju no chie) Ordinary people who put their heads together can match a genius.
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