Proverb / Kotowaza
血は水よりも濃い
Family ties and bonds between blood relatives are stronger than relationships with others.
Blood is thicker than water
Quick Answer
Family ties and bonds between blood relatives are stronger than relationships with others.
- Literal Image
- Blood is thicker than water
- Closest Equivalent
- Blood is thicker than water
- How to Use It
- Used when observing family members helping each other during a crisis or when explaining why family relationships endure despite conflict.
Meaning
This proverb emphasizes that connections through blood are deeper and more enduring than any other social bond. It suggests that in difficult times or critical moments, family members will prioritize and support one another over friends or acquaintances.
Literal Image
Blood is thicker than water
Equivalent Proverbs
Blood is thicker than water
The direct source of the Japanese translation.
How to Use It
Used when observing family members helping each other during a crisis or when explaining why family relationships endure despite conflict.
Tone
Reflective and serious, can be used to affirm the importance of family bonds.
Examples
困ったときに助けてくれたのは親戚だった。やはり血は水よりも濃い。
When I was in trouble, it was my relatives who helped me. Truly, blood is thicker than water.
どれほど仲が良くても、いざというときは血は水よりも濃いことを実感する。
No matter how close you are with others, you realize that when push comes to shove, blood is thicker than water.
絶縁していた兄弟が、病気を機に再会した。血は水よりも濃いのだ。
Brothers who had been estranged reunited when illness struck. Blood is thicker than water.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses standard grammar for comparisons and basic vocabulary, though the phrasing is idiomatic.
血
ち / chi
blood
水
みず / mizu
water
濃い
こい / koi
thick; deep; concentrated
Usage Profile
Usage note: In modern contexts, some may find the emphasis on blood relations over chosen family to be old-fashioned.
Misread Risk
Ensure it is used to highlight familial support rather than to exclude or dismiss close friendships.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
This expression is a translation of the Western proverb "Blood is thicker than water." It is used to emphasize the depth and strength of blood relationships.
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.