Proverb / Kotowaza
泥中の蓮
Maintaining one's integrity and purity of character even in a corrupt or difficult environment.
A lotus in the mud
Quick Answer
Maintaining one's integrity and purity of character even in a corrupt or difficult environment.
- Literal Image
- A lotus in the mud
- How to Use It
- This proverb is used to praise individuals who maintain high moral standards, honesty, or noble goals despite being surrounded by corruption, poverty, or difficult circumstances.
Meaning
The expression draws from the image of a lotus flower that blooms cleanly despite growing in a muddy pond. It serves as a metaphor for a person who remains untainted by worldly desires or negative surroundings, preserving their inner character and virtue.
Literal Image
A lotus in the mud
How to Use It
This proverb is used to praise individuals who maintain high moral standards, honesty, or noble goals despite being surrounded by corruption, poverty, or difficult circumstances.
Tone
This is a literary expression used in a respectful and praising manner.
Examples
厳しい環境でも清廉さを失わない彼女は、泥中の蓮のような人だ。
She is like a lotus in the mud, never losing her integrity even in a harsh environment.
汚職が蔓延する組織の中で、泥中の蓮のごとく正義を貫いた。
In an organization where corruption was rampant, they upheld justice like a lotus in the mud.
貧しい家庭に育ちながら高い志を持ち続ける姿は、まさに泥中の蓮だ。
Growing up in a poor household while maintaining high aspirations is truly like a lotus in the mud.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The proverb uses literary vocabulary like 'deichuu' and the classical reading 'hachisu' for lotus, which is mostly encountered in written texts or formal speech.
泥中
でいちゅう / deichuu
in the mud
蓮
はちす / hachisu
lotus flower
清廉
せいれん / seiren
integrity; purity
煩悩
ぼんのう / bonnou
worldly desires; defilements
Usage Profile
Usage note: As this is a literary term, it may sound overly formal or dramatic in casual conversation.
Misread Risk
The proverb refers to spiritual or ethical purity; it should not be interpreted literally as a statement about physical cleanliness.
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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.