Proverb / Kotowaza
江戸っ子は五月の鯉の吹き流し
People from Edo have sharp tongues but no malice or hidden motives in their hearts.
A child of Edo is like a May carp streamer.
Quick Answer
People from Edo have sharp tongues but no malice or hidden motives in their hearts.
- Literal Image
- A child of Edo is like a May carp streamer.
- How to Use It
- Used to describe someone who seems rough or talkative on the outside but is actually honest, kind, and quick to let go of anger.
Meaning
This expression describes the personality of a native of old Tokyo (an Edokko). While they may speak bluntly or harshly, they have a straightforward character and do not harbor grudges or secret ill will.
Literal Image
A child of Edo is like a May carp streamer.
How to Use It
Used to describe someone who seems rough or talkative on the outside but is actually honest, kind, and quick to let go of anger.
Tone
Informal and descriptive, can be used with a sense of cultural appreciation.
Examples
「江戸っ子は五月の鯉の吹き流し」と言われるように、彼は口は悪いが根は優しく、後腐れのない男だった。
Just as they say 'A child of Edo is like a May carp streamer,' he had a sharp tongue but was kind at heart and didn't hold a grudge.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Contains specific vocabulary like 'Edokko' and 'fukinagashi', and the metaphor requires understanding the idiomatic context of Boys' Day decorations.
江戸っ子
えどっこ / edokko
a native of Edo (Tokyo)
五月
さつき / satsuki
the fifth month; May
鯉
こい / koi
carp
吹き流し
ふきながし / fukinagashi
streamer
Usage Profile
Usage note: Ensure you are using this to defend someone's character, not just to describe someone who is talkative.
Misread Risk
Do not use this to describe someone who is genuinely malicious or deceptive; it specifically refers to those whose harsh words are not backed by bad intentions.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
The carp streamers (fukinagashi) displayed for the Boys' Day festival in May have large, open mouths but are empty inside. This appearance is used as a metaphor for the Edokko character: talkative and blunt on the outside, but lacking any hidden malice or ill will on the inside.
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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.