120 Famous Japanese Proverbs: Wisdom and Life Lessons

Japanese proverbs have been passed down through centuries of rich history and culture. These timeless sayings encapsulate the wisdom, values, and practical insights of Japanese society. Today, these proverbs continue to influence everything from daily behavior to business ethics. This article presents 120 famous Japanese proverbs—each translated into clear English and, when available, paired with a comparable English proverb. Whether you’re a student, professional, or simply a lover of cultural knowledge, these proverbs offer valuable lessons for modern life.

How to Read This Guide

For ease of navigation, the proverbs are presented in a numbered list with the following components:

Japanese Original: The proverb in its original language, including phonetic reading.
English Translation: A concise, clear translation of the proverb.
Paired English Proverb: Where applicable, a comparable English saying is provided to bridge cultural insights.
Explanation: A brief commentary on the proverb’s meaning, historical background, and practical application.

Example:

Japanese: 類は友を呼ぶ
Phonetic: Rui wa tomo o yobu
English Translation: “Birds of a feather flock together.”
Paired Proverb: “Birds of a feather flock together.”
Explanation: This proverb highlights that people with similar characteristics or values naturally attract one another. It emphasizes the importance of choosing your circle wisely.

Famous Japanese Proverbs

1. 類は友を呼ぶ

Rui wa tomo o yobu

• English Translation: Birds of a feather flock together.
• Paired Proverb: Birds of a feather flock together.
• Explanation: People with similar characteristics naturally attract one another.

2. 暖簾に腕押し

Noren ni udeoshi

• English Translation: A push against a hanging curtain is futile.
• Paired Proverb: (No direct equivalent)
• Explanation: Some efforts are wasted because the target is unyielding.

3. 瓢箪から駒が出る

Hyōtan kara koma ga deru

• English Translation: A horse comes out of a gourd.
• Paired Proverb: (None)
• Explanation: Extraordinary outcomes can arise from unexpected sources.

4. 踏んだり蹴ったり

Fundari kettari

• English Translation: Stumbling and getting kicked.
• Paired Proverb: When it rains, it pours.
• Explanation: Misfortunes tend to come in rapid succession.

5. 豚に真珠

Buta ni shinju

• English Translation: Pearls before swine.
• Paired Proverb: Don’t cast pearls before swine.
• Explanation: Offering something valuable to those who cannot appreciate it is futile.

6. 蒔かぬ種は生えぬ

Makanu tane wa haenu

• English Translation: Without sowing seeds, nothing grows.
• Paired Proverb: You reap what you sow.
• Explanation: Success requires preparation and effort.

7. 一か八か

Ichika bachika

• English Translation: Sink or swim.
• Paired Proverb: All or nothing.
• Explanation: Taking a risk without knowing the outcome.

8. 一寸先は闇

Issun saki wa yami

• English Translation: An inch ahead is darkness.
• Paired Proverb: (None)
• Explanation: The future is uncertain and unpredictable.

9. 一銭を笑う者は一銭に泣く

Issen o warau mono wa issen ni naku

• English Translation: Those who laugh at a penny will weep over a penny.
• Paired Proverb: (None)
• Explanation: Ignoring small matters can lead to greater losses later.

10. 七転び八起き

Nana korobi ya oki

• English Translation: Fall seven times, stand up eight.
• Paired Proverb: If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.
• Explanation: Persistence is essential in overcoming failure.

11. 三人寄れば文殊の知恵

San nin yoreba Monju no chie

• English Translation: Three heads are better than one.
• Paired Proverb: Two heads are better than one.
• Explanation: Collaboration brings forth wisdom that one person alone might miss.

12. 三度目の正直

Sandome no shōjiki

• English Translation: Third time’s the charm.
• Paired Proverb: Third time’s the charm.
• Explanation: Success is more likely after several attempts.

13. 三日坊主

Mikka bōzu

• English Translation: A three-day monk.
• Paired Proverb: (None)
• Explanation: Someone who gives up too soon or lacks persistence.

14. 下手の鉄砲も数打ちゃ当たる

Heta no teppō mo kazu uchya ataru

• English Translation: Even a clumsy marksman can hit the target by firing many shots.
• Paired Proverb: Practice makes perfect.
• Explanation: Repeated efforts can eventually lead to success, even if initial skills are lacking.

15. 不幸中の幸い

Fukōchū no saiwai

• English Translation: A blessing in disguise.
• Paired Proverb: Every cloud has a silver lining.
• Explanation: Even in adverse circumstances, a small benefit may emerge.

16. 乗りかかった船

Norikakatta fune

• English Translation: A boarded ship.
• Paired Proverb: Once committed, see it through.
• Explanation: Once you start something, you should follow through rather than giving up midway.

17. 二兎を追う者は一兎をも得ず

Nito o ou mono wa itto o mo ezu

• English Translation: Chase two rabbits, catch neither.
• Paired Proverb: A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
• Explanation: Trying to do two things at once may result in failure in both.

18. 二度あることは三度ある

Nido aru koto wa sando aru

• English Translation: What happens twice will happen thrice.
• Paired Proverb: History repeats itself.
• Explanation: Events or patterns are likely to recur.

19. 五十歩百歩

Gojippo hyappo

• English Translation: Fifty steps versus a hundred steps make little difference.
• Paired Proverb: (None)
• Explanation: Two outcomes may seem different but are essentially equivalent.

20. 井の中の蛙大海を知らず

I no naka no kawazu taikai o shirazu

• English Translation: A frog in a well does not know the great ocean.
• Paired Proverb: (None)
• Explanation: Limited experience prevents one from understanding the broader world.

21. 人のふり見て我がふり直せ

Hito no furi mite waga furi naose

• English Translation: Observe others’ behavior and correct your own.
• Paired Proverb: Learn from others’ mistakes.
• Explanation: Watching the actions of others can help you improve yourself.

22. 仏の顔も三度まで

Hotoke no kao mo sandome made

• English Translation: Even a Buddha’s face has its limits.
• Paired Proverb: (None)
• Explanation: Even the most tolerant person has a breaking point.

23. 住めば都

Sumeba miyako

• English Translation: Home is where you make it.
• Paired Proverb: (None)
• Explanation: Any place can become comfortable once you grow accustomed to it.

24. 備えあれば憂いなし

Sonae areba urei nashi

• English Translation: Be prepared and worry will be unnecessary.
• Paired Proverb: Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.
• Explanation: Proper preparation alleviates future troubles.

25. 光陰矢のごとし

Kōin ya no gotoshi

• English Translation: Time flies like an arrow.
• Paired Proverb: Time flies when you’re having fun.
• Explanation: Time passes quickly and should be valued.

26. 出る杭は打たれる

Deru kui wa utareru

• English Translation: The nail that sticks out gets hammered down.
• Paired Proverb: (None)
• Explanation: Those who stand out may attract criticism or envy.

27. 初心忘るべからず

Shoshin wasuru bekarazu

• English Translation: Never forget your beginner’s spirit.
• Paired Proverb: (None)
• Explanation: Always remember the enthusiasm and simplicity you had when you first started.

28. 千里の道も一歩から

Senri no michi mo ippo kara

• English Translation: A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
• Paired Proverb: (Same as the well-known English saying.)
• Explanation: Great achievements start with small, initial actions.

29. 口は災いの元

Kuchi wa wazawai no moto

• English Translation: The mouth is the source of trouble.
• Paired Proverb: (None)
• Explanation: Careless words can lead to unintended problems.

30. 可愛い子には旅をさせよ

Kawaii ko ni wa tabi o saseyo

• English Translation: Let a beloved child travel.
• Paired Proverb: (None)
• Explanation: Allow children to experience challenges and learn from them through travel or hardship.