Based on experience and timeless common sense, proverbs tell a perceived truth, often metaphorically, in a short sentence. Proverbs offer us wisdom and advice, and they’re extremely popular. You can find them quoted in articles, used in daily conversations, and even showcased on people’s wall decor.
Proverbs often reflect the cultures from which they originate, and Japanese proverbs—called 諺 / ことわざ (Kotowaza)—are no exception. Some Japanese proverbs are very unique and funny, and there are some that are only valued and understood in Japan due to the ideas and values they reference. By learning Japanese proverbs, you’ll not only strengthen your language learning muscles, but also deepen your understanding of Japanese culture and values.
In this article, we’ll introduce thirty popular Japanese proverbs that you’ll be glad to know. Learn Japanese and get inspired here at JapanesePod101.com!
- → By the way, you may also be interested in learning about the Essential Idioms That Will Make You Sound Like a Native Speaker and Japanese Slang Nouns for Conversation.
- Life and Society
- Relationships
- Studying / Learning / Gaining Wisdom
- Behaviors / Feelings
- A Few More Proverbs For You…
- How JapanesePod101 Can Help You Learn More Japanese
- Literal Translation: Even monkeys fall from trees.
- Meaning: Nobody is perfect and anyone can make a mistake, even in what they’re good at.
- Equivalent English Proverb: Even Homer sometimes nods.
- Example:
[when someone made a mistake]
「猿も木から落ちる」と言うし、気にすることないよ！
“Saru mo ki kara ochiru” to iu shi, ki ni suru koto nai yo!
The proverb says “Even monkeys fall from trees,” so don’t worry about it! - Literal Translation: Those who chase after two rabbits will not even catch one.
- Meaning: If you’re greedy and try to get/do two things at once, you will fail at both.
- Equivalent English Proverb: If you run after two hares, you will catch neither.
- Example:
「二兎を追う者は一兎をも得ず」だよ。一つずつ着実にやり遂げよう！
“Ni-to o ō mono wa itto o mo ezu” da yo. Hitotsu zutsu chakujitsu ni yaritogeyō!
It says, “Those who chase after two rabbits will not even catch one.” Let’s steadily accomplish one thing at a time! - Literal Translation: Watch others’ behavior and correct your own behavior.
- Meaning: If you see good or bad behavior in others, you can improve your own behavior based on what you observe.
- Equivalent English Proverb: One man’s fault is another’s lesson.
- Example:
友達の言動を批判する暇があったら、「人のふり見てわがふり直せ」だよ。
Tomodachi no gendō o hihan suru hima ga attara, “hito no furi mite waga furi naose” da yo.
If you have time to criticize the behavior of your friend, watch his behavior and correct your own behavior. - Literal Translation: Dirty money doesn’t stay with a person for long.
- Meaning: Money gained through wrongful means such as stealing or gambling will be wasted and quickly disappear.
- Equivalent English Proverb: Easy come, easy go.
- Example:
「悪銭身につかず」というように、賭け事で大金を当ててもお金持ちにはなれないよ。
“Akusen mi ni tsukazu” to iu yō ni, kakegoto de taikin o atete mo o-kanemochi ni wa narenai yo.
As it says, “Dirty money doesn’t stay with a person for long.” You won’t become rich even if you win a jackpot in gambling. - Literal Translation: The stake that sticks out gets hammered down.
- Meaning: Being different or exceptional will subject you to criticism; the outstanding get ousted.
- Equivalent English Proverb: Envy is the companion of honor.
- Example:
「出る杭は打たれる」と言うけど、出過ぎた杭は打たれない。批判を気にしないでね!
“Deru kui wa utareru” to iu kedo, desugita kui wa utarenai. Hihan o ki ni shinaide ne!
It says, “The stake that sticks out gets hammered down,” but the one sticking too far out doesn’t. Never mind criticisms! - Literal Translation: There are hardships and also there are pleasures.
- Meaning: After the hard times in life, we can look forward to the fun things. Also, hard work is always rewarded and you’ll feel at ease afterward.
- Equivalent English Proverb: No pain, no gain. / No cross, no crown. / No rain, no rainbow.
- Example:
人生、「苦あれば楽あり」！ 若いうちは苦労をたくさんした方がいい。
Jinsei, “ku areba raku ari”! Wakai uchi wa kurō o takusan shita hō ga ii.
Life is “no pain, no gain”! You should work hard a lot when you are young. - Literal Translation: Mouth is a source of disaster.
- Meaning: Your careless remarks will invite troubles for yourself, so watch your mouth.
- Equivalent English Proverb: Out of the mouth comes evil. / The tongue is the root of calamities.
- Example:
人の悪口を言うと良いことないよ。「口は災いの元」だよ！
Hito no waruguchi o iu to ii koto nai yo. “Kuchi wa wazawai no moto” da yo.
There’s nothing good about talking ill of someone. It says, “Out of the mouth comes evil!” - Literal Translation: One lifetime, one meeting.
- Meaning: This proverb refers to a once-in-a-lifetime meeting/opportunity. You should cherish each moment and do your best, as though it were the only chance you would have to do so in your lifetime. This word originates from the traditional Japanese tea ceremony called 茶道 (Sadō), or “the Way of Tea.” It expresses the spirit of Sadō, according to which all participants should be sincere and do their best, as though each tea ceremony were a once-in-a-lifetime event.
- Equivalent English Proverb: Live every day as though it were your last.
- Example:
旅先での素敵な出会いは、まさに「一期一会」だ。
Tabisaki de no suteki na deai wa, masa ni “ichigo ichie” da.
A wonderful encounter on a trip is truly a “once-in-a-lifetime meeting.” - Literal Translation: A relationship of dogs and monkeys.
- Meaning: This phrase refers to a relationship of mutual hatred, or two people who absolutely despise and hate each other.
- Equivalent English Proverb: Fight like cats and dogs.
- Example:
ミカとさゆりは「犬猿の仲」です。
Mika to Sayuri wa “ken’en no naka” desu.
Mika and Sayuri have a relationship of mutual hatred. - Literal Translation: The child of a frog is a frog.
- Meaning: The nature and ability of a child resembles that of his or her parents. The child of an ordinary person is nothing but an ordinary person. A frog is a tadpole when it’s a child, and thus doesn’t look like its parents, but it becomes a frog like its parents in the end.
- Equivalent English Proverb: Like father, like son. / Nits will be lice.
- Example:
「蛙の子は蛙」と言うように、私の息子も数学が苦手です。
“Kaeru no ko wa kaeru” to iu yō ni, watashi no musuko mo sūgaku ga nigate desu.
“Kaeru no ko wa kaeru” to iu yō ni, watashi no musuko mo sūgaku ga nigate desu. - Literal Translation: Eat rice/food out of the same pot.
- Meaning: This saying refers to a very close friendship/relationship, especially those who spend a lot of time together each day.
- Equivalent English Proverb: Two peas in a pod.
- Example:
たかしとケンタは「同じ釜の飯を食った」仲だ。
Takashi to Kenta wa “onaji kama no meshi o kutta” naka da.
Takashi and Kenta have a very close friendship. - Literal Translation: The end of money is the end of relationship.
- Meaning: When the money runs out, the relationship also ends. In other words, relationships dependent upon wealth will end when the money does.
- Equivalent English Proverb: The end of money is the end of love. / When poverty comes in at the door, love flies out the window.
- Example:
「金の切れ目が縁の切れ目」と言うし、友達にお金を貸さない方がいいですよ。
“Kane no kireme ga en no kireme” to iu shi, tomodachi ni o-kane o kasanai hō ga ii desu yo.
It says, “the end of money is the end of relationship,” so you shouldn’t lend money to your friends. - Literal Translation: Should not forget our original intention.
- Meaning: We should never forget the beginner’s spirit of when we first started learning or doing something. Don’t be arrogant or underestimate things, even if you’ve mastered it.
- Equivalent English Proverb: Don’t forget where you came from. / Don’t let success get to your head.
- Example:
一度成功しても、「初心忘るべからず」で、気を抜かないように。
Ichi-do seikō shite mo, “shoshin wasuru bekarazu” de, ki o nukanai yō ni.
As it says “don’t forget beginner’s spirit,” don’t lose focus even if you once succeeded. - Literal Translation: A thousand Ri begins with a single step on the road.
- Meaning: You achieve big things by taking them one step at a time, slow and steady. 千里 (sen-ri) literally means “thousand 里 (Ri),” which is the old Japanese measurement unit for distance (1 Ri is about 4 km). It’s also used to indicate a far distance.
- Equivalent English Proverb: A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
- Example:
語学の習得は簡単ではないけれど、「千里の道も一歩から」。小さな積み重ねが大切です。
Gogaku no shūtoku wa kantan de wa nai keredo, “sen-ri no michi mo ippo kara”. Chiisana tsumikasane ga taisetsu desu.
Mastering a language is not easy, but a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. The accumulation of small steps is important. - Literal Translation: After the rain, the earth hardens.
- Meaning: Just as ground that gets rained on hardens later, so will our troubles result in good situations over time.
- Equivalent English Proverb: After a storm comes the calm. / Good comes out of evil. / Adversity strengthens the foundations.
- Example:
「雨降って地固まる」と言うように、二人は大喧嘩をした後、かえって仲良しになった。
“Ame futte ji katamaru” to iu yō ni, futari wa ōgenka o shita ato, kaette nakayoshi ni natta.
As it says “after the rain, the earth hardens,” after they had a big argument, they became closer friends than before. - Literal Translation: When dust accumulates, it becomes a mountain.
- Meaning: Even something as small as dust particles can grow to be as large as a mountain when piled up. This proverb means that we shouldn’t neglect the little things, as they will make a big difference later.
- Equivalent English Proverb: Many a little makes a mickle. / A penny saved is a penny earned. / Little strokes fell great oaks.
- Example:
地道な基礎練習が大切です。「チリも積もれば山となる」ですよ。
Jimichi na kiso renshū ga taisetsu desu. “Chiri mo tsumoreba yama to naru” desu yo.
Steady and basic practice is important. It says, “Many a little makes a mickle.” - Literal Translation: When three people gather, get the wisdom of Manjushri.
- Meaning: Even ordinary people can come up with good ideas when brainstorming with others. It’s better to have multiple brains working on something than only one. Manjushri, or 文殊 もんじゅ (monju), is one of the Bodhisattva that’s on the path toward Buddhahood.
- Equivalent English Proverb: Two heads are better than one.
- Example:
「三人寄れば文殊の知恵」！一人で悩むより周りの人に相談したほうがいいよ。
Sannin yoreba monju no chie! Hitori de nayamu yori mawari no hito ni soudan shita hōga iiyo.
Two heads are better than one! Rather than worrying alone, you should talk to people around you and ask for advice. - Literal Translation: Strength is weakness.
- Meaning: One’s strength can also be his own weakness, depending on the context and on one’s point of view. If you rely too much on your strength, it may become a cause of failure, so be careful.
- Equivalent English Proverb: One’s strength is his weakness. / Every medal has two sides.
- Example:
自信があるのは良いことですが、人の意見を聞くことも大事ですよ。「長所は短所」です。
Jishin ga aru no wa yoi koto desu ga, hito no iken o kiku koto mo daiji desu yo. “Chōsho wa tansho” desu.
It’s good to have confidence in yourself, but listening to others is also important. It says, “One’s strength is his weakness.” - Literal Translation: Grow calluses on ear.
- Meaning: This saying refers to someone who’s fed up with hearing the same thing over and over again. They’re so annoyed that they form “calluses” on their ears to stop hearing—just like how calluses grow as a response to repeated friction and pressure.
- Additional Note: たこ (Tako) is pronounced the same way as 蛸 (Tako), meaning “octopus” in Japanese, but it is a homonym in this case. To avoid confusion, one can use the Kanji characters 胼胝 (Tako), meaning “callus,” but the Kanji version is difficult and not commonly used. Instead, the word is usually written in either Hiragana or Katakana.
- Equivalent English Proverb: Talk one’s ear off.
- Example:
その話もう100回は聞いたよ。「耳にたこができる」！
Sono hanashi mō hyakkai wa kiita yo. “Mimi ni tako ga dekiru”!
I’ve heard that story 100 times already. Calluses are growing in my ear! - Literal Translation: Buddhist invocation into horse’s ears.
- Meaning: If you were to tell a horse a Buddhist invocation, it would not understand or appreciate it. Likewise, you could give someone the best advice or opinion about something, but it’s in vain if the other person doesn’t want to hear it.
- Equivalent English Proverb: Preaching to the deaf.
- Example:
いくらあなたが親身になって助言しても、彼には「馬の耳に念仏」だよ！
Ikura anata ga shinmi ni natte jogen shite mo, kare ni wa “uma no mimi ni nenbutsu” da yo!
No matter how much thoughtful advice you give, it’s like preaching to the deaf! - Literal Translation: It is dark under the candle stand.
- Meaning: We tend not to notice things that are familiar to us, and we often overlook things that lie near at hand.
- Equivalent English Proverb: It is darkest under the lamp post. / It’s hard to see what is under your nose.
- Example:
ペンを探していたけど、胸のポケットに入っていた！「灯台下暗し」だね。
Pen o sagashite ita kedo, mune no poketto ni haitte ita! “Tōdai moto kurashi” da ne.
I was looking for a pen, but it was in my chest pocket! It’s hard to see what is under your nose. - Literal Translation: Pearls to pigs.
- Meaning: It’s meaningless and useless to give something worthwhile to someone who doesn’t know its value.
- Equivalent English Proverb: Cast pearls before swine.
- Example:
赤ちゃんに$500のブランドの洋服を着せるのは、私は「豚に真珠」だと思う。
Akachan ni $500 no burando no yōfuku o kiseru no wa, watashi wa “buta ni shinju” da to omō.
I think it’s like casting pearls before swine to dress a baby in $500 luxury brand clothes. - Literal Translation: Cause brings result.
- Meaning: Bad actions bring bad results (and vice-versa). This proverb originally comes from the Buddhist concept that those who do good deeds receive good rewards in return, and those who do bad deeds will have retributive justice.
- Equivalent English Proverb: What goes around comes around.
- Example:
彼は昔ひどいイジメっ子だったので、今は困った時に助けてくれる本当の友達がいない。「因果応報」だね。
Kare wa mukashi hidoi ijimekko datta node, ima wa komatta toki ni tasukete kureru hontō no tomodachi ga inai. “Inga ōhō” da ne.
He does not have real friends now to help when he’s in trouble, because he was a terrible bully in the past. It is “what goes around comes around.” - Literal Translation: Open mouth does not close.
- Meaning: You might use this phrase when someone’s words or behavior are appalling and beyond understanding, and you’re lost for words.
- Equivalent English Saying: To be at a loss for words
- Example:
またギャンブルのためにお金借りたいの？「開いた口が塞がらない」よ！
Mata gyanburu no tame ni o-kane karitai no? “Aita kuchi ga fusagaranai” yo!
You want to borrow money for gambling again? I’m appalled and lost for words! - Literal Translation: Height comparison among acorns.
- Meaning: This phrase is used in situations where everything or everyone seems about the same, and there’s no one who has outstanding strength, ability, or skill.
- Equivalent English Proverb: Neither barrel the better herring. / Much of a muchness.
- Example:
今回の美人コンテストの応募者は全員普通で、勝者を選べません。「どんぐりの背比べ」です。
Konkai no bijin kontesuto no ōbosha wa zen’in futsū de, shōsha o erabemasen. “Donguri no sei kurabe” desu.
All the applicants for this beauty contest are ordinary and we cannot choose the winner. They are all much of a muchness. - Literal Translation: Legs of a snake.
- Meaning: Something that is unnecessary, redundant, and superfluous.
- Equivalent English Proverb: Put a fifth wheel to the coach/Gilding the lily.
- Example:
お祝いの席であんなコメントは「蛇足」でした。
O-iwai no seki de anna komento wa “dasoku” deshita.
Such a comment was unnecessary on the occasion of celebration. - Literal Translation: Difference between clouds and mud.
- Meaning: This refers to a wide difference. Because clouds represent heaven and mud is the ground, this phrase alludes to a big gap like that between heaven and earth.
- Equivalent English Proverb: As different as night and day.
- Example:
都市部と田舎では生活費に「雲泥の差」があります。
Toshibu to inaka de wa seikatsuhi ni “undei no sa” ga arimasu.
There is a huge difference in living costs between urban and rural areas. - Literal Translation: Sudden thunder in the blue sky.
- Meaning: The sudden occurrence of unexpected events or changes.
- Equivalent English Proverb: A bolt out of the blue.
- Example:
あの有名俳優が突然逮捕されたのは、青天の霹靂だ。
Ano yūmei haiyū ga totsuzen taiho sareta no wa, “seiten no hekireki” da.
It’s a bolt out of the blue that that famous actor got suddenly arrested. - Literal Translation: After the festival.
- Meaning: This phrase means that someone has missed their chance or an event has occurred too late. After the festival is over, it’s meaningless to go to see the festival.
- Additional Note: A traditional Japanese 祭り (matsuri), or “festival,” usually has main events such as 神輿担ぎ (Mikoshi katsugi), which is “carrying a portable Shinto shrine,” 山車 (dashi), or “floats” parade, and group dances. There’s also a variety of food stalls and entertainment booths around the area.
- Equivalent English Proverb: A day after the fair. / After death, the doctor.
- Example:
テストが終わった後に勉強を始めても、「後の祭り」です。
Tesuto ga owatta ato ni benkyō o hajimete mo, “ato no matsuri” desu.
It’s too late to start studying after the test is over. - Literal Translation: Powerful man under the edge.
- Meaning: A person who does a thankless task and makes an effort to support others in ways that are not visible to others.
- Additional Notes: The 縁 えん (en) is the long wooden porch in traditional Japanese-style houses. Though unseen, there are many foundation pillars under the en that hold up the porch.
- Equivalent English Proverb: Unsung hero.
- Example:
この社会はたくさんの縁の下の力持ちがいるおかげで成り立っています。
Kono shakai wa takusan no en no shita no chikaramochi ga iru okagede naritatte imasu.
This society is made possible by the existence of many unsung heroes. - Top 10 Quotes About Language Learning
- Encouraging Phrases
- Habits for Highly Effective Language Learners
Japanese proverbs are unique expressions that give timeless wisdom and insight.
Table of Contents
1. Life and Society
These Japanese proverbs about life teach us lessons and truths to keep in mind as we go about our daily lives.
Note: You may notice that animals often appear in Japanese proverbs.
1. 猿も木から落ちる (Saru mo ki kara ochiru)
2. 二兎を追う者は一兎をも得ず (Ni-to o ō mono wa itto o mo ezu)
3. 人のふり見てわがふり直せ (Hito no furi mite waga furi naose)
4. 悪銭身につかず (Akusen mi ni tsukazu)
5. 出る杭は打たれる (Deru kui wa utareru)
出る杭は打たれる (Deru kui wa utareru) – “The stake that sticks out gets hammered down.”
6. 苦あれば楽あり (Ku areba raku ari)
7. 口は災いの元 (Kuchi wa wazawai no moto)
口は災いの元 (Kuchi wa wazawai no moto) – “Out of the mouth comes evil.”
2. Relationships
Wherever you are in the world, relationships are an essential aspect of everyday life. The following Japanese proverbs about relationships lend us some practical wisdom on the topic!
8. 一期一会 (Ichigo ichie)
9. 犬猿の仲 (Ken’en no naka)
10. 蛙の子は蛙 (Kaeru no ko wa kaeru)
11. 同じ釜の飯を食う(Onaji kama no meshi o kū)
12. 金の切れ目が縁の切れ目 (Kane no kireme ga en no kireme)
同じ釜の飯を食う (Onaji kama no meshi o kū) – “to eat out of the same pot”
3. Studying / Learning / Gaining Wisdom
Continuing to accumulate wisdom is key to long-term success and happiness. Here are a few Japanese proverbs on success and the necessity of learning.
13. 初心忘るべからず (Shoshin wasuru bekarazu)
14. 千里の道も一歩から (Sen-ri no michi mo ippo kara)
15. 雨降って地固まる (Ame futte ji katamaru)
16. チリも積もれば山となる (Chiri mo tsumoreba yama to naru)
17. 三人寄れば文殊の知恵 (San-nin yoreba monju no chie)
18. 長所は短所 (Chōsho wa tansho)
千里の道も一歩から (Sen-ri no michi mo ippo kara) – “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
4. Behaviors / Feelings
It should come as no surprise that there are plenty of Japanese sayings on behaviors and feelings, since they play a large role in a person’s identity—and in how we view them. Here are some of the most common ones.
19. 耳にたこができる (Mimi ni tako ga dekiru)
20. 馬の耳に念仏 (Uma no mimi ni nenbutsu)
21. 灯台下暗し (Tōdai moto kurashi)
22. 豚に真珠 (Buta ni shinju)
23. 因果応報 (Inga ōhō)
24. 開いた口が塞がらない (Aita kuchi ga fusagaranai)
灯台下暗し (Tōdai moto kurashi) – “It is dark under the lamp post.” / “It’s hard to see what is under your nose.”
5. A Few More Proverbs For You…
To conclude our Japanese proverbs list, here are just a few more proverbs you may enjoy.
25. どんぐりの背比べ (Donguri no sei kurabe)
26. 蛇足 (Dasoku)
27. 雲泥の差 (Undei no sa)
28. 青天の霹靂 (Seiten no hekireki)
青天の霹靂 (Seiten no hekireki) – “a bolt out of the blue”
29. 後の祭り (Ato no matsuri)
30. 縁の下の力持ち (En no shita no chikaramochi)
To learn more about Japanese proverbs and quotes, please also check out our article Japanese Quotes That Enrich Your Life.
6. How JapanesePod101 Can Help You Learn More Japanese
In this article, we introduced thirty popular Japanese proverbs and idioms in various categories. I hope you enjoyed today’s topic, gained some useful insight from these Japanese words of wisdom, and deepened your understanding of Japanese culture!
Which of these Japanese proverbs is your favorite, and why? And what are some common proverbs in your language? We look forward to hearing from you!
If you would like to learn more about the Japanese language, you’ll find even more helpful content on JapanesePod101.com. We provide a variety of free lessons to help you improve your Japanese language skills. To start, why not study these inspiring Japanese quotes and motivational phrases for language learning?
And there’s so much more!
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