Proverb / Kotowaza
空樽は音が高い
People who lack knowledge or ability tend to be the ones who talk the most and brag loudly.
An empty barrel makes a loud sound.
Quick Answer
People who lack knowledge or ability tend to be the ones who talk the most and brag loudly.
- Literal Image
- An empty barrel makes a loud sound.
- Closest Equivalent
- Empty vessels make the most sound
- How to Use It
- Used to describe or criticize someone who is noisy, talkative, or arrogant despite having no real results or depth to back up their words.
Meaning
This proverb compares human depth to barrels: an empty barrel resonates loudly when struck, while a full one makes only a dull, heavy sound. It suggests that individuals with little substance, wisdom, or actual skill try to compensate by speaking excessively or boasting about themselves.
Literal Image
An empty barrel makes a loud sound.
Equivalent Proverbs
Empty vessels make the most sound
A direct cultural and metaphorical equivalent.
How to Use It
Used to describe or criticize someone who is noisy, talkative, or arrogant despite having no real results or depth to back up their words.
Tone
This expression is critical and dismissive in tone.
Examples
会議のたびに声高に持論を展開するが、内容が薄いと評判の同僚がいる。空樽は音が高いとはよく言ったものだ。
I have a colleague who loudly asserts his opinions at every meeting, but he is known for having very little substance. It is exactly as the saying goes: 'empty barrels make the most sound.'
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The grammar is a simple 'Subject wa Adjective' structure, but it uses specific kanji and vocabulary like 'akidaru' (empty barrel).
空樽
あきだる / akidaru
empty barrel
音
おと / oto
sound
高い
たかい / takai
loud (in the context of volume); high
Usage Profile
Usage note: Since this proverb is an insult to someone's intelligence or ability, avoid using it directly to someone's face unless you intend to be very harsh.
Misread Risk
Do not use this to simply mean someone has a loud voice; it must imply that the person lacks knowledge or substance.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
This proverb is based on the physical observation that hitting an empty barrel results in a loud, echoing resonance, whereas a barrel filled with contents produces a dull, quiet sound. This physical trait is used as a metaphor for a person's inner contents, such as knowledge or character.
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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.