Proverb / Kotowaza
縁と月日の末を待て
One should wait patiently for the right connection and timing rather than rushing important matters.
Wait for the outcome of fate and the passing of time
Quick Answer
One should wait patiently for the right connection and timing rather than rushing important matters.
- Literal Image
- Wait for the outcome of fate and the passing of time
- Closest Equivalent
- Everything comes to him who waits
- How to Use It
- Used to comfort or advise someone who is anxious about finding a marriage partner or waiting for a long-term goal to be realized.
Meaning
This proverb teaches that human connections and the success of ventures come naturally with the flow of time. Attempting to force progress through haste can lead to failure. It emphasizes the importance of patience and waiting for circumstances to mature naturally.
Literal Image
Wait for the outcome of fate and the passing of time
Equivalent Proverbs
Everything comes to him who waits
A similar English proverb about the rewards of patience.
How to Use It
Used to comfort or advise someone who is anxious about finding a marriage partner or waiting for a long-term goal to be realized.
Tone
Carries a gentle and advisory tone, suitable for counseling patience in personal matters.
Examples
なかなか良い縁に恵まれない娘に「縁と月日の末を待て」と、母は優しく言い聞かせた。
To her daughter, who was struggling to find a good marriage match, the mother gently said, 'Wait for the outcome of fate and time.'
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
While the vocabulary is relatively simple, the literary structure and the specific use of 'sue' to mean 'outcome' or 'future' represent a more advanced idiomatic usage.
縁
えん / en
fate; connection; marriage tie
月日
つきひ / tsukihi
time; days and months
末
すえ / sue
end; outcome; future
待て
まて / mate
wait (imperative form)
Usage Profile
Usage note: This expression is specifically geared toward long-term matters like relationships and major life events, rather than minor delays.
Misread Risk
Be careful not to interpret 'sue' as just 'the end' of a time period; in this context, it refers to the eventual ripening or outcome of the situation.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
Human connections and the fulfillment of matters are things that arrive with the flow of time. Attempting to force them through haste will not lead to success. This expression teaches the importance of waiting for the right time without becoming impatient.
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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.