Proverb / Kotowaza
人を見て法を説け
Adapt your teaching or message to the listener's character and understanding.
Observe the person and expound the Law.
Quick Answer
Adapt your teaching or message to the listener's character and understanding.
- Literal Image
- Observe the person and expound the Law.
- Closest Equivalent
- Suit the action to the word, the word to the action.
- How to Use It
- Used in educational or professional contexts to remind someone that their explanation should be adjusted for the audience, such as simplifying difficult concepts for beginners.
Meaning
This proverb advises that when you teach or speak to others, you should first assess their personality, level of understanding, and current circumstances. By tailoring the delivery method to the individual, the message becomes significantly more effective. It highlights the importance of empathy and flexibility in successful communication.
Literal Image
Observe the person and expound the Law.
Equivalent Proverbs
Suit the action to the word, the word to the action.
Suggests fitting the delivery or behavior to the specific situation.
How to Use It
Used in educational or professional contexts to remind someone that their explanation should be adjusted for the audience, such as simplifying difficult concepts for beginners.
Tone
Reflects Buddhist principles of tailored communication.
Examples
子供に難しい言葉で説明しても伝わらない。人を見て法を説けというように、相手に合わせた言葉を選ぼう。
Explaining things to children using difficult words won't get the message across. As the saying goes, 'observe the person and expound the Law'—we should choose words that suit the listener.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses verbs, but the specific reading 'nori' for 'law' and the classical imperative 'toke' require more advanced knowledge.
人
ひと / hito
person
見て
みて / mite
observing / seeing
法
のり / nori
Law / Buddhist teachings
説け
とけ / toke
preach / expound
Usage Profile
Usage note: It is advice for the speaker, not a critique of the listener’s ability.
Misread Risk
The term 'nori' here specifically refers to teachings or methods, not legal statutes.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
This expression originates from Buddhist teachings. It is based on the concept of 'Taiki-seppo' (expounding the law according to capacity), describing how Shakyamuni (the Buddha) tailored his teachings to match the intellectual capacity and specific situation of each listener. In this proverb, 'nori' (法) refers to the Buddhist Law or sacred teachings.
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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.