Proverb / Kotowaza
芸術は長く人生は短し
Human life is brief, but great works of art endure long after their creator is gone.
Art is long, life is short
Quick Answer
Human life is brief, but great works of art endure long after their creator is gone.
- Literal Image
- Art is long, life is short
- Closest Equivalent
- Art is long and life is short
- How to Use It
- Used when discussing the lasting legacy of creative work or the importance of creating something meaningful within one's limited time.
Meaning
A human life is limited and brief, yet the masterpieces created by artists can endure for centuries after they pass away. This proverb highlights the permanence of art and the lasting reputation it brings to its creator. It serves as a reminder of the timeless value of creative achievement compared to the short span of physical existence.
Literal Image
Art is long, life is short
Equivalent Proverbs
Art is long and life is short
A direct translation of the same concept.
Ars longa, vita brevis
Source-listed English expression with a similar lesson.
How to Use It
Used when discussing the lasting legacy of creative work or the importance of creating something meaningful within one's limited time.
Tone
Reflective and appreciative.
Examples
芸術は長く人生は短し。限られた時間で最高の作品を残したいものだ。
Art is long and life is short. I want to leave behind my best work within the limited time I have.
名画は何百年経っても輝きを失わない。芸術は長く人生は短しである。
Paintings do not lose their brilliance even after hundreds of years. Truly, art is long and life is short.
人間の命は有限だが、優れた作品は永遠に残る。芸術は長く人生は短しとはこのことだ。
Human life is finite, but excellent works remain forever. This is exactly what 'art is long and life is short' means.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The proverb uses the classical adjective ending '-shi' and formal kanji compounds like 芸術 and 人生.
芸術
げいじゅつ / geijutsu
art
人生
じんせい / jinsei
human life
長く
ながく / nagaku
long / enduringly
短し
みじかし / mijikashi
short (classical form)
Usage Profile
Usage note: This is a formal and literary expression, suited for speeches or writing rather than casual daily conversation.
Misread Risk
Do not use this to complain about being busy; it refers to the lasting nature of creative works compared to mortality.
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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.