Proverb / Kotowaza
郷に入っては郷に従え
When in a new place, follow the local customs and manners.
When you enter a village, follow the village.
Quick Answer
When in a new place, follow the local customs and manners.
- Literal Image
- When you enter a village, follow the village.
- Closest Equivalent
- When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
- How to Use It
- Used when advising someone to adapt to a new environment, such as moving to a different region or starting a new job with specific internal rules.
Meaning
This proverb advises that when you enter a new region or community, you should follow the local customs and manners of that place. It teaches the importance of adapting to one's environment and respecting established traditions to avoid unnecessary friction. By following the local ways, one can integrate more smoothly into a new society.
Literal Image
When you enter a village, follow the village.
Equivalent Proverbs
When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
Almost identical meaning regarding adaptation to local customs.
How to Use It
Used when advising someone to adapt to a new environment, such as moving to a different region or starting a new job with specific internal rules.
Tone
Can be used as a piece of practical advice or a reminder to be humble and respectful in unfamiliar surroundings.
Examples
海外に引っ越したばかりの頃は戸惑うことも多かったけれど、郷に入っては郷に従えというように、現地の習慣を尊重するように心がけているよ。
I was confused a lot when I first moved abroad, but as they say, 'when in Rome, do as the Romans do,' so I try to respect the local customs.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses simple kanji and basic grammar, though the 'ni itte wa' construction is a slightly formal conditional structure.
郷
ごう / gou
village, district, hometown
従う
したがう / shitagau
to follow, to obey, to adapt to
Usage Profile
Misread Risk
Do not use this to suggest that someone should abandon their core values, but rather as a guide for external etiquette and social harmony.
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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.