Proverb / Kotowaza
不言実行
Carrying out what needs to be done silently without making excuses or talking about it.
Action without words
Quick Answer
Carrying out what needs to be done silently without making excuses or talking about it.
- Literal Image
- Action without words
- How to Use It
- Used to describe someone who works diligently in silence or to express a personal commitment to proving oneself through actions.
Meaning
The act of performing one's duties or tasks without arguing, complaining, or boasting. It emphasizes showing commitment through results and behavior rather than through verbal promises or explanations.
Literal Image
Action without words
How to Use It
Used to describe someone who works diligently in silence or to express a personal commitment to proving oneself through actions.
Tone
Respectful and admiring; can be used to describe an ideal character trait or as a personal motto.
Examples
彼は不言実行の男で、皆から信頼されている。
He is a man of action who works in silence, and he is trusted by everyone.
口先だけでなく不言実行で結果を示したい。
I want to show results through silent action rather than just talking.
不言実行をモットーに、日々の練習に励む。
With silent action as my motto, I devote myself to daily practice.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
A four-character compound (yojijukugo) using relatively basic kanji, but the meaning and structure are idiomatic.
不言
ふげん / fugen
not speaking; silence
実行
じっこう / jikko
execution; practice; action
Usage Profile
Usage note: Ensure you are actually performing the action; otherwise, the silence may be mistaken for inactivity.
Misread Risk
Do not confuse this with being uncommunicative; the focus is on prioritizing action over talk, not refusing to speak entirely.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
The term is composed of 'fugen' (not saying anything) and 'jikko' (actually doing). Historically, this quiet diligence was considered a greater virtue than 'yugen jikko' (carrying out what one has promised).
Index
Topics, Situations, and Tags
Topics
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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.