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Proverb / Kotowaza

諦めは心の養生

ReadingあきらめはこころのようじょうRomajiakirame wa kokoro no youjou

Accepting what cannot be changed is vital for maintaining mental health.

Resignation is the health care of the heart

Quick Answer

Accepting what cannot be changed is vital for maintaining mental health.

Literal Image
Resignation is the health care of the heart
How to Use It
Used when advising someone to stop dwelling on a failure or when describing how someone moved on from a difficult situation to protect their peace of mind.

Meaning

When faced with circumstances beyond one's control, choosing to let go rather than dwelling on regret is essential for emotional well-being. Letting go of attachments prevents mental exhaustion and allows for a healthier perspective.

Literal Image

Resignation is the health care of the heart

How to Use It

Used when advising someone to stop dwelling on a failure or when describing how someone moved on from a difficult situation to protect their peace of mind.

Tone

Reassuring and advisory.

Examples

01

長年目指してきた夢が叶わなかったが、諦めは心の養生と気持ちを切り替え、新たな目標に向かって歩みを始めた。

Although my long-held dream didn't come true, I told myself that letting go is for the good of my mental health, shifted my perspective, and started moving toward a new goal.

Learning Notes

Key Vocabulary

Estimated LevelN2Confidence: Medium
Estimate, not an official JLPT list

Uses particles but includes the specific vocabulary word 'youjou' which is encountered at higher levels.

諦め

あきらめ / akirame

resignation, giving up

こころ / kokoro

heart, mind

養生

ようじょう / youjou

health care, maintenance of health

Usage Profile

NeutralReassuringHumbling

Usage note: Ensure you use this to support someone's mental peace, rather than appearing to dismiss their efforts.

Misread Risk

Do not use this to encourage laziness or quitting early on tasks that can be completed; it specifically refers to letting go of things that are truly beyond one's control.

Search As

諦めは心の養生あきらめはこころのようじょうakirame wa kokoro no youjouakiramewakokoronoyoujouakirame-wa-kokoro-no-youjou

Kanji in This Proverb

Related Proverbs

Similar諦めも肝心

Origin

The term "youjou" (養生) refers to the maintenance of physical and mental health. This proverb teaches that dwelling on attachments and regrets can erode one's spirit, and that making a clean break from such thoughts is necessary for emotional well-being.

Index

Topics, Situations, and Tags

01

Topics

Life and HealthModeration and BalanceCharacter and Virtue
02

Situations

Give Life AdviceComfort After Hardship
03

Tags

⚔️Life & General Wisdom🧠PhilosophyPatience & Perseverance

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.

Published
2026-03-15
Updated
2026-05-08
Source 1: tomomi965.comAbout Data SourcesReport a Correction

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