Proverb / Kotowaza
どこ吹く風
An attitude of total indifference toward criticism or one's surroundings.
A wind blowing from where?
Quick Answer
An attitude of total indifference toward criticism or one's surroundings.
- Literal Image
- A wind blowing from where?
- How to Use It
- Used to describe someone who ignores advice, pressure, or scolding. It highlights an attitude of being completely unaffected by what others say or do.
Meaning
It describes acting as if a situation, warning, or scolding is completely unrelated to oneself. The person remains unperturbed and calmly ignores the matter, showing no concern or reaction to external pressure or noise.
Literal Image
A wind blowing from where?
How to Use It
Used to describe someone who ignores advice, pressure, or scolding. It highlights an attitude of being completely unaffected by what others say or do.
Tone
Carries a critical nuance when describing someone who ignores important responsibilities or feedback.
Examples
周囲がどれほど騒ごうとも、彼はどこ吹く風と受け流している。
No matter how much the people around him make a fuss, he brushes it off with total indifference.
厳しい叱責を受けたが、本人はどこ吹く風な顔をしている。
He received a harsh scolding, but he has a look on his face as if it does not bother him at all.
借金の催促に対してもどこ吹く風で、一向に返す気配がない。
He is completely unconcerned even about demands to repay his debt, showing no sign of intending to pay it back.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
While the vocabulary is basic, the combination forms an idiomatic expression that requires understanding the metaphorical usage of wind.
どこ
どこ / doko
where
吹く
ふく / fuku
to blow
風
かぜ / kaze
wind
受け流す
うけながす / ukenagasu
to brush off; to parry
Usage Profile
Usage note: describes a lack of responsiveness that may be viewed negatively by others.
Misread Risk
Do not use this to literally ask about the direction of the wind; it refers only to a person's indifferent attitude.
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Origin
This expression is said to be derived from the image of a wind blowing from an unknown source to an unknown destination, having no attachment and showing no concern for where it goes.
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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.