Proverb / Kotowaza
花より団子
Preferring practical utility and substance over aesthetic beauty or appearance
dumplings rather than flowers
Quick Answer
Preferring practical utility and substance over aesthetic beauty or appearance
- Literal Image
- dumplings rather than flowers
- Closest Equivalent
- Pudding before praise.
- How to Use It
- It is used to describe a person who prioritizes practical benefits, such as food or money, over artistic appreciation or social status. It can be used self-deprecatingly or to criticize others for lacking appreciation for beauty.
Meaning
This expression describes the preference for something that provides practical benefit or sustenance rather than something that is merely beautiful or refined. It suggests choosing substance over style, or favoring practical utility over vanity and appearance.
Literal Image
dumplings rather than flowers
Equivalent Proverbs
Pudding before praise.
Prioritizing physical sustenance over social recognition.
How to Use It
It is used to describe a person who prioritizes practical benefits, such as food or money, over artistic appreciation or social status. It can be used self-deprecatingly or to criticize others for lacking appreciation for beauty.
Tone
Can be used with a touch of humor or mild criticism regarding someone's lack of refinement.
Examples
花より団子で、花見に行っても食べることばかり考えている。
It’s dumplings over flowers for me; even at a cherry blossom viewing, I only think about eating.
おしゃれなレストランよりも量の多い定食屋を選ぶのは、花より団子だ。
Choosing a diner with large portions over a stylish restaurant is a case of preferring dumplings over flowers.
花より団子と笑われようが、実利を重んじる方が賢いこともある。
Even if you are mocked for choosing 'dumplings over flowers,' prioritizing practical benefit is sometimes the wiser choice.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses simple N5-level vocabulary like 'hana' and 'dango' along with the 'yori' comparison particle, but the metaphorical usage makes it idiomatic.
花
はな / hana
flower
より
yori
than; rather than
団子
だんご / dango
dumpling
Usage Profile
Misread Risk
While associated with food during cherry blossom viewing, it applies to any situation where utility is chosen over style.
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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.