Proverb / Kotowaza
雨晴れて笠を忘る
Forgetting the favors and gratitude owed to others once a difficult situation has passed.
Forgetting the rain hat once the rain clears
Quick Answer
Forgetting the favors and gratitude owed to others once a difficult situation has passed.
- Literal Image
- Forgetting the rain hat once the rain clears
- How to Use It
- Used to describe or criticize someone who stops showing gratitude or cuts ties with those who helped them as soon as their problems are resolved.
Meaning
This proverb describes the tendency to seek help or rely on others during hard times, only to quickly forget that kindness or the gratitude owed once the hardship is over. It uses the metaphor of a person who values their rain hat while it is raining but completely forgets its importance the moment the sun comes out.
Literal Image
Forgetting the rain hat once the rain clears
How to Use It
Used to describe or criticize someone who stops showing gratitude or cuts ties with those who helped them as soon as their problems are resolved.
Tone
Carries a critical or moralizing tone regarding a person's character and lack of gratitude.
Examples
困っているときは毎日来ていたのに、問題が解決した途端に来なくなった。雨晴れて笠を忘るとはこのことだ。
He used to come by every day when he was in trouble, but he stopped coming the moment the problem was solved. It is a perfect example of forgetting the hat once the rain clears.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
While the vocabulary is relatively accessible, the verb 'wasuru' is a classical form, and the metaphorical meaning requires social context.
雨
あめ / ame
rain
晴れて
はれて / harete
clearing up; stopping (rain)
笠
かさ / kasa
traditional bamboo rain hat
忘る
わする / wasuru
to forget (classical form)
Usage Profile
Usage note: Be careful when using this directly to someone's face, as it is a strong criticism of their integrity.
Misread Risk
Do not use this to simply mean someone is forgetful about physical objects; it specifically refers to forgetting favors and kindness.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
This expression is derived from the observation that while one desperately needs a rain hat (kasa) when it is raining, the object's existence and utility are immediately forgotten once the weather clears up.
Index
Topics, Situations, and Tags
Topics
Situations
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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.