Proverb / Kotowaza
玉石混交
A state where valuable and worthless items are mixed together.
Jewels and stones mixed together
Quick Answer
A state where valuable and worthless items are mixed together.
- Literal Image
- Jewels and stones mixed together
- How to Use It
- Used to describe a collection of items, information, or people where the quality varies significantly and careful evaluation is required.
Meaning
This expression describes a situation where high-quality items are intermingled with low-quality ones. It indicates that within a single collection or group, one can find both gems and junk without clear separation.
Literal Image
Jewels and stones mixed together
How to Use It
Used to describe a collection of items, information, or people where the quality varies significantly and careful evaluation is required.
Tone
Neutral to slightly critical, emphasizing the need for discernment.
Examples
ネットの情報は玉石混交なので、見極める力が必要だ。
Internet information is a mix of gems and junk, so the ability to discern is necessary.
このアンソロジーは新人作家の作品が多く、玉石混交の感がある。
This anthology features many works by new authors, giving it the feel of a mix of high and low quality.
骨董市には玉石混交の商品が並んでいる。
Goods ranging from valuable gems to worthless stones are lined up at the antique market.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
As a four-character idiomatic compound (yojijukugo), it uses formal kanji and a formal structure.
玉
ぎょく / gyoku
jewel; jade
石
せき / seki
stone
混交
こんこう / konkou
mixing; intermingling
Usage Profile
Usage note: Note that it specifically refers to a mix of quality, not just a variety of different things.
Misread Risk
Do not use it to describe any simple variety; it must involve a contrast between valuable and worthless elements.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
Originates from the Chinese text Baopuzi (抱朴子). The expression comes from a description of jewels (jade) and ordinary stones being mixed together and hard to distinguish, serving as a metaphor for the coexistence of valuable and worthless things.
Index
Topics, Situations, and Tags
Topics
Situations
Tags
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.