Proverb / Kotowaza
低き所に水溜まる
Just as water naturally flows to the lowest point, people and good fortune naturally gather around those who remain humble.
Water collects in low places
Quick Answer
Just as water naturally flows to the lowest point, people and good fortune naturally gather around those who remain humble.
- Literal Image
- Water collects in low places
- Closest Equivalent
- The humble shall be exalted.
- How to Use It
- Used to explain why a modest person is successful or respected, or to advise someone that staying humble will eventually bring them supporters and luck.
Meaning
This expression teaches the value of humility and modesty in social and professional life. It suggests that by maintaining a low posture and not being arrogant, one creates an environment where talented individuals, supporters, and opportunities are naturally inclined to gather. It emphasizes that a lack of ego is the key to attracting success and building strong relationships.
Literal Image
Water collects in low places
Equivalent Proverbs
The humble shall be exalted.
Near equivalent with similar imagery.
Still waters run deep.
While listed as similar, this refers to a quiet person having great depth or character.
How to Use It
Used to explain why a modest person is successful or respected, or to advise someone that staying humble will eventually bring them supporters and luck.
Tone
Instructive and moralizing.
Examples
社長は成功しても決して驕らず謙虚な姿勢を保ち続けた。低き所に水溜まるというように、多くの優秀な人材が彼の元に集まってきた。
The president remained humble even after succeeding. As they say, 'water collects in low places,' and many talented people gathered around him.
低き所に水溜まるというが、彼女の控えめな人柄が周囲の人々を引きつけている。
They say water collects in low places; her modest personality is what draws people to her.
功績をひけらかさない彼のもとには、いつも協力者が集まる。低き所に水溜まるの好例だ。
Collaborators always gather around him because he doesn't brag about his achievements. He is a perfect example of 'water collects in low places.'
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The proverb uses the classical adjective form 'hikuki' and applies a simple physical observation as a metaphor for social behavior.
低き
ひくき / hikuki
low (classical attributive form)
所
ところ / tokoro
place
水
みず / mizu
water
溜まる
たまる / tamaru
to collect; to accumulate
Usage Profile
Usage note: This is a compliment for a humble person; avoid using it in a way that implies a person is literally 'low' in status or ability.
Misread Risk
Do not confuse this with 'water seeking its own level'; the focus here is specifically on the gathering of positive elements (people, luck) at the lowest point.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
The proverb draws from the physical law that water flows from higher ground to the lowest point and collects there. This concept is also found in the teachings of the Chinese philosopher Laozi, specifically the phrase 'Highest excellence is like water' (上善は水の如し), which praises water's humble nature of settling in low places and benefiting all things without conflict. Over time, this observation was applied to human society to describe how humility attracts fortune.
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