Proverb / Kotowaza
人のふり見てわがふり直せ
Observe the actions of others and use them as a guide to improve or correct your own behavior.
Watch others' behavior and correct your own behavior
Quick Answer
Observe the actions of others and use them as a guide to improve or correct your own behavior.
- Literal Image
- Watch others' behavior and correct your own behavior
- Closest Equivalent
- Learn wisdom by the follies of others
- How to Use It
- It is used to encourage self-reflection when witnessing someone else's success or failure, reminding oneself to learn from what they see.
Meaning
This proverb teaches that we should use the behavior of others as a mirror for ourselves. By observing both the good and bad actions of those around us, we can adopt their positive traits and ensure we do not repeat their mistakes or display similar flaws.
Literal Image
Watch others' behavior and correct your own behavior
Equivalent Proverbs
Learn wisdom by the follies of others
Focuses specifically on learning from others' mistakes.
How to Use It
It is used to encourage self-reflection when witnessing someone else's success or failure, reminding oneself to learn from what they see.
Tone
neutral or moralizing, used as a piece of life advice or a reminder for self-improvement.
Examples
「人のふり見てわがふり直せ」ということわざがあるように、あの人の仕事ぶりは本当にお手本になる。私も見習って頑張ろう。
As the saying 'watch others' behavior and correct your own' goes, that person's way of working is a true model. I should follow their example and do my best.
「人のふり見てわがふり直せ」というから、あの人の失敗を笑うのではなく、自分も気をつけよう。
They say to 'watch others' behavior and correct your own,' so instead of laughing at their failure, I should be careful myself.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The vocabulary 'hito', 'miru', 'waga', and 'naosu' is simple, but the 'furi' noun and the imperative 'naose' form make it slightly more advanced.
ふり
ふり / furi
behavior, appearance
わが
わが / waga
my own, one's own
直せ
なおせ / naose
correct, fix (imperative)
Usage Profile
Misread Risk
Avoid using this to mock someone else's failure; the emphasis should always be on your own self-improvement.
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Origin
While the exact origin is not identified, this proverb is thought to have been passed down orally since ancient times as a lesson regarding human behavior and social life.
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Source Note
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