Proverb / Kotowaza
豚に真珠
Giving something valuable to someone who cannot appreciate its worth is a waste.
pearls to pigs
Quick Answer
Giving something valuable to someone who cannot appreciate its worth is a waste.
- Literal Image
- pearls to pigs
- Closest Equivalent
- Do not cast your pearls before swine
- How to Use It
- Used to criticize or lament the giving of something fine to someone who will not use it properly or understand its quality.
Meaning
Even the most precious item is useless if given to someone who lacks the knowledge or character to appreciate its value. It describes a situation where a high-quality object or profound idea is wasted on an unworthy or uncomprehending recipient.
Literal Image
pearls to pigs
Equivalent Proverbs
Do not cast your pearls before swine
Near equivalent with similar imagery.
How to Use It
Used to criticize or lament the giving of something fine to someone who will not use it properly or understand its quality.
Tone
Carries a critical or dismissive tone toward the recipient's lack of discernment.
Examples
高級ワインの味も分からない人に贈っても、豚に真珠というものだ。
Giving expensive wine to someone who doesn't even know how it should taste is like casting pearls before swine.
どんなに立派な道具を揃えても、使いこなせなければ豚に真珠だ。
No matter how great the tools you assemble, they are pearls to pigs if you cannot use them properly.
あいつにこの絵画の価値が分かるはずもない。豚に真珠とはまさにこのことだ。
There is no way he could understand the value of this painting. It is exactly a case of pearls before swine.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The kanji and vocabulary are simple, though the meaning requires understanding the metaphor of misplaced value.
豚
ぶた / buta
pig
真珠
しんじゅ / shinju
pearl
Usage Profile
Usage note: This is a very blunt and potentially insulting expression to use directly toward someone.
Misread Risk
Do not use this to describe someone who is simply poor; it is about the inability to perceive value, regardless of wealth.
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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.