Proverb / Kotowaza
話し上手は聞き上手
A person who is skilled at speaking is also a person who listens well to others.
A person good at speaking is a person good at listening.
Quick Answer
A person who is skilled at speaking is also a person who listens well to others.
- Literal Image
- A person good at speaking is a person good at listening.
- Closest Equivalent
- A good listener is a good speaker.
- How to Use It
- This expression is used to praise someone for their communication skills, specifically highlighting that their ability to speak well comes from their habit of listening attentively.
Meaning
This proverb teaches that effective communication relies heavily on the ability to listen. People who are considered good conversationalists are those who pay close attention to what others are saying, as listening allows them to understand the interests of their audience and respond with appropriate topics.
Literal Image
A person good at speaking is a person good at listening.
Equivalent Proverbs
A good listener is a good speaker.
A direct English equivalent listed in the source.
How to Use It
This expression is used to praise someone for their communication skills, specifically highlighting that their ability to speak well comes from their habit of listening attentively.
Tone
The tone is positive and instructive.
Examples
彼女との会話は楽しい。話し上手は聞き上手というが、彼女はいつも相手の話を丁寧に聞いてくれる。
Conversations with her are enjoyable. They say a good speaker is a good listener, and she always listens carefully to what others have to say.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses vocabulary like 'hanashi', 'kiki', and 'jozu' in compound forms, making it accessible but requiring knowledge of noun-connecting particles.
話し上手
はなしじょうず / hanashijozu
good at speaking; skilled talker
聞き上手
ききじょうず / kikijozu
good at listening; attentive listener
Usage Profile
Misread Risk
Do not assume this means a person must talk a lot; the emphasis is on the balance between speaking and listening.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
This proverb was born from the practical experience that those who are able to speak effectively do so by listening closely to others. By listening, they gain an understanding of the interests and concerns of their conversation partners, which allows them to offer relevant and engaging topics in return.
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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.