Proverb / Kotowaza
雨降って地固まる
Adversity or conflict leads to a more stable and stronger foundation than before.
After rain falls, the ground hardens.
Quick Answer
Adversity or conflict leads to a more stable and stronger foundation than before.
- Literal Image
- After rain falls, the ground hardens.
- Closest Equivalent
- After a storm comes a calm
- How to Use It
- This expression is used when a situation has improved or a bond has strengthened specifically as a result of a previous conflict, failure, or period of instability.
Meaning
Just as the ground becomes firmer and more settled after a rainfall, a period of trouble or dispute can result in a more resilient and improved situation. This proverb suggests that overcoming a crisis can strengthen relationships or projects, creating a better state than what existed prior to the difficulty.
Literal Image
After rain falls, the ground hardens.
Equivalent Proverbs
After a storm comes a calm
Refers to the peace that follows trouble.
When the going gets tough, the tough gets going
Focuses on resilience in the face of difficulty.
How to Use It
This expression is used when a situation has improved or a bond has strengthened specifically as a result of a previous conflict, failure, or period of instability.
Tone
Reassuring and positive; it focuses on the constructive outcome of hardship.
Examples
大喧嘩の後、かえって絆が深まった。雨降って地固まるとはこのことだ。
After their big fight, their bond actually deepened. It's exactly like the saying: after rain, the ground hardens.
プロジェクトの失敗をきっかけにチームが団結した。雨降って地固まるである。
The project failure triggered the team to unite. It was a case of the ground hardening after the rain.
離婚の危機を乗り越えた夫婦は、以前より仲が良い。雨降って地固まるというものだ。
The couple who overcame a divorce crisis are closer than before. Truly, after rain, the ground hardens.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The vocabulary consists of simple words for rain and ground, but the metaphorical application to social stability makes it an idiomatic challenge.
雨
あめ / ame
rain
降る
ふる / furu
to fall (rain, snow, etc.)
地
じ / ji
ground, earth
固まる
かたまる / katamaru
to harden, to become firm
Usage Profile
Misread Risk
Ensure there was an actual conflict or setback (the 'rain') before applying this; it is not for general success without prior struggle.
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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.