Proverb / Kotowaza
挨拶は時の氏神
A person who intervenes to settle a conflict or dispute is a precious and helpful presence.
A mediation is the guardian deity of the moment
Quick Answer
A person who intervenes to settle a conflict or dispute is a precious and helpful presence.
- Literal Image
- A mediation is the guardian deity of the moment
- How to Use It
- Used to acknowledge or express gratitude for someone who successfully mediates a dispute. It can apply when a calm intervention from a respected figure prevents a conflict from escalating.
Meaning
This proverb highlights that a third party who steps in to mediate an argument acts as a protector for those involved. It compares the timely arrival of such a mediator to a local guardian deity (Ujigami) who brings peace and resolution to a tense situation.
Literal Image
A mediation is the guardian deity of the moment
How to Use It
Used to acknowledge or express gratitude for someone who successfully mediates a dispute. It can apply when a calm intervention from a respected figure prevents a conflict from escalating.
Tone
Appreciative and respectful, can be used in a literary or formal context.
Examples
口論が始まりかけた二人の間に、先輩が穏やかに割って入って場を収めてくれた。まさに挨拶は時の氏神だ。
A senior colleague calmly stepped in between two people who were about to start an argument and settled the situation. Truly, a mediator is like a guardian deity of the moment.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses the word 'aisatsu' in its historical sense of mediation rather than its modern meaning of greeting. It also requires knowledge of the specific terms 'ujigami'.
挨拶
あいさつ / aisatsu
mediation; intercession (historical)
時の
ときの / toki no
of the moment; timely
氏神
うじがみ / ujigami
local guardian deity
Usage Profile
Usage note: The word 'aisatsu' here does not mean 'hello' or 'goodbye'; it refers specifically to the act of mediating.
Misread Risk
Learners might assume the proverb is about the importance of daily greetings, but it actually describes the value of a third-party peacemaker.
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Origin
The term 'aisatsu' (挨拶) was originally a Zen Buddhist term referring to the dialogue between a master and a disciple to test the disciple's level of spiritual enlightenment. This meaning eventually evolved into 'mediation' or 'intercession.' The 'Ujigami' (氏神) refers to a deity that protects a particular land or people. The proverb compares a person who mediates a conflict to a protective deity appearing at the critical moment.
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Source Note
Where did this entry get its data from? The reference links are listed below. To understand how to read this section, see Data Sources.