Proverb / Kotowaza
言いたい事は明日言え
Think calmly and wait until tomorrow before speaking while emotional, to avoid regret.
Say what you want to say tomorrow
Quick Answer
Think calmly and wait until tomorrow before speaking while emotional, to avoid regret.
- Literal Image
- Say what you want to say tomorrow
- Closest Equivalent
- Sleep on it
- How to Use It
- Used as advice to discourage someone from making impulsive or angry remarks that they might regret later.
Meaning
Speaking immediately while driven by strong emotions leads to regret. This proverb advises waiting for at least one night to regain composure and think through what you want to say before actually speaking.
Literal Image
Say what you want to say tomorrow
Equivalent Proverbs
Sleep on it
Focuses on waiting overnight to make a decision or speak.
How to Use It
Used as advice to discourage someone from making impulsive or angry remarks that they might regret later.
Tone
Instructional and cautionary.
Examples
腹が立っても、言いたい事は明日言えという。一晩寝て冷静になってから伝えよう。
Even if you are angry, they say you should wait until tomorrow to say what you want. Let's sleep on it and tell them once we've calmed down.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The vocabulary consists of basic verbs and nouns, though the imperative 'ie' and the idiomatic context of waiting 'until tomorrow' require idiomatic familiarity.
言いたい事
いいたいこと / iitai koto
things one wants to say
明日
あす / asu
tomorrow
言え
いえ / ie
say (imperative form)
Usage Profile
Usage note: The imperative 'ie' (say it!) makes this sound like a direct piece of advice or a rule.
Misread Risk
Do not take 'tomorrow' strictly as a 24-hour requirement; it represents the need to wait until emotions subside.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
Based on the practical lesson that speaking while in the grip of passion leads to regret, this proverb teaches the wisdom of waiting until one can think clearly.
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Source Note
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