91. 破竹の勢い
Hachiku no ikioi
- English Translation: Like a bamboo splitting apart.
- Paired Proverb: (None)
- Explanation: An unstoppable momentum once a process is in full swing.
92. 立つ鳥あとを濁さず
Tatsu tori ato o nigosazu
- English Translation: A departing bird leaves no trace.
- Paired Proverb: (None)
- Explanation: Leave on a positive note without causing trouble.
93. 笑う門には福来る
Warau kado ni wa fuku kitaru
- English Translation: Fortune comes to the smiling door.
- Paired Proverb: Laughter is the best medicine.
- Explanation: Happiness and positivity attract good fortune.
94. 終わり良ければすべて良し
Owari yokereba subete yoshi
- English Translation: All’s well that ends well.
- Paired Proverb: All’s well that ends well.
- Explanation: A good ending makes up for earlier difficulties.
95. 継続は力なり
Keizoku wa chikara nari
- English Translation: Continuity is power.
- Paired Proverb: Persistence pays off.
- Explanation: Consistent effort ultimately leads to strength and success.
96. 縁の下の力持ち
En no shita no chikaramochi
- English Translation: The unsung heroes under the eaves.
- Paired Proverb: (None)
- Explanation: Those who work behind the scenes are essential to success.
97. 習うより慣れろ
Narau yori narero
- English Translation: Practice is better than theory.
- Paired Proverb: Experience is the best teacher.
- Explanation: Hands-on experience trumps mere learning.
98. 聞くは一時の恥聞かぬは一生の恥
Kiku wa ittoki no haji, kikanu wa isshō no haji
- English Translation: It’s a moment’s shame to ask, but a lifetime’s shame to remain ignorant.
- Paired Proverb: There’s no shame in asking questions.
- Explanation: Seeking knowledge is essential—even if it might feel embarrassing at first.
99. 背に腹は代えられぬ
Se ni hara wa kaerarenu
- English Translation: One cannot exchange one’s back for one’s stomach.
- Paired Proverb: (None)
- Explanation: Prioritize what is most important, even if it means making sacrifices.
100. どんぐりの背比べ
Donguri no sekurabe
- English Translation: Comparing acorns by their heights.
- Paired Proverb: (None)
- Explanation: When everyone is similar, comparisons become meaningless.
101. 背水の陣
Haisui no jin
- English Translation: A battle with your back to the river.
- Paired Proverb: (None)
- Explanation: When there is no retreat, one must fight with full resolve.
102. 能ある鷹は爪を隠す
Nō aru taka wa tsume o kakusu
- English Translation: A skilled hawk hides its talons.
- Paired Proverb: (None)
- Explanation: Truly capable people do not need to boast about their talents.
103. 腹が減っては戦ができぬ
Hara ga hette wa ikusa ga dekinu
- English Translation: You can’t fight on an empty stomach.
- Paired Proverb: (None)
- Explanation: Basic needs must be met before one can take on challenges.
104. 良薬は口に苦し
Ryōyaku wa kuchi ni nigashi
- English Translation: Good medicine tastes bitter.
- Paired Proverb: (None)
- Explanation: Helpful advice or necessary truths might be unpleasant at first.
105. 花より団子
Hana yori dango
- English Translation: Dumplings over flowers.
- Paired Proverb: Substance over style.
- Explanation: Practical benefits are often more important than mere aesthetics.
106. 芸は身を助ける
Gei wa mi o tasukeru
- English Translation: Skill will help you in life.
- Paired Proverb: (None)
- Explanation: Talents and abilities can be one’s saving grace in difficult situations.
107. 若い時の苦労は買ってでもせよ
Wakai toki no kurō wa katte demo seyo
- English Translation: Embrace hardships in youth.
- Paired Proverb: (None)
- Explanation: The struggles you endure when young become invaluable assets later in life.
108. 覆水盆に返らず
Fukusui bon ni kaerazu
- English Translation: Spilled water cannot be retrieved.
- Paired Proverb: There’s no use crying over spilled milk.
- Explanation: Some mistakes cannot be undone; learn from them and move on.
109. 親しき仲にも礼儀あり
Shitashiki naka ni mo reigi ari
- English Translation: Even close friends should observe manners.
- Paired Proverb: Courtesy costs nothing.
- Explanation: Respect and proper behavior are important, regardless of familiarity.
110. 無い袖は振れぬ
Nai sode wa furenu
- English Translation: You can’t shake what you don’t have.
- Paired Proverb: (None)
- Explanation: Without resources, one cannot expect to gain or do anything.
111. 親の七光り
Oya no nanahikari
- English Translation: The shine of a parent’s influence.
- Paired Proverb: (None)
- Explanation: A parent’s reputation or connections can open doors for their children.
112. 触らぬ神に祟りなし
Sawara nu kami ni tatarinashi
- English Translation: No ill will comes from leaving gods unprovoked.
- Paired Proverb: Let sleeping dogs lie.
- Explanation: It’s best not to meddle in matters that might bring trouble.
113. 論より証拠
Ron yori shōko
- English Translation: Evidence is worth more than arguments.
- Paired Proverb: Actions speak louder than words.
- Explanation: Facts and tangible proof are more convincing than mere debate.
114. 身から出た錆
Mi kara deta sabi
- English Translation: Rust comes from one’s own actions.
- Paired Proverb: You reap what you sow.
- Explanation: The consequences of your actions will eventually come back to affect you.
115. 転ばぬ先の杖
Korobanu saki no tsue
- English Translation: A cane before you stumble.
- Paired Proverb: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
- Explanation: Taking precautions prevents future accidents.
116. 郷に入っては郷に従え
Gō ni itte wa gō ni shitagae
- English Translation: When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
- Paired Proverb: (Same as English)
- Explanation: Adapt to the customs and rules of the community you are in.
117. 鉄は熱いうちに打て
Tetsu wa atsui uchi ni ute
- English Translation: Strike while the iron is hot.
- Paired Proverb: Strike while the iron is hot.
- Explanation: Seize opportunities promptly before they pass.
118. 雨降って地固まる
Ame futte ji katamaru
- English Translation: After rain, the ground hardens.
- Paired Proverb: Adversity builds character.
- Explanation: Difficult times can lead to stronger foundations.
119. 濡れ手に粟
Nurete ni awa
- English Translation: Gaining a fortune with little effort.
- Paired Proverb: (None)
- Explanation: Sometimes rewards come with minimal exertion—but such cases are rare.
120. 頭隠して尻隠さず
Atama kakushite shiri kakusazu
- English Translation: Hide your head but not your tail.
- Paired Proverb: (None)
- Explanation: Attempting to conceal one fault while leaving others exposed; ultimately, deception fails.
In our modern, globalized world, these 120 famous Japanese proverbs serve as bridges connecting ancient wisdom with contemporary life. They remind us that whether we’re facing personal challenges, professional setbacks, or the simple joys of everyday life, wisdom and resilience are timeless virtues. By comparing these traditional Japanese expressions with well-known English proverbs, we uncover the shared human experiences that unite diverse cultures.
Take these proverbs to heart—use them as a source of inspiration, reflection, and practical advice. Embrace the wisdom of the past to empower your future, and share these insights with others to foster a deeper understanding of global cultures.
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