Proverb / Kotowaza
犬が西向きゃ尾は東
Stating a fact that is so obvious it does not need to be mentioned.
If a dog faces west, its tail points east.
Quick Answer
Stating a fact that is so obvious it does not need to be mentioned.
- Literal Image
- If a dog faces west, its tail points east.
- Closest Equivalent
- That goes without saying
- How to Use It
- Used when someone provides an unnecessary explanation for a clear fact, or to dismiss a redundant statement.
Meaning
This expression describes a situation where someone says something completely self-evident or obvious. It is used to criticize the pointlessness of explaining things that everyone already understands, or to emphasize that a particular truth goes without saying.
Literal Image
If a dog faces west, its tail points east.
Equivalent Proverbs
That goes without saying
Expresses that something is too obvious to need mention.
How to Use It
Used when someone provides an unnecessary explanation for a clear fact, or to dismiss a redundant statement.
Tone
Can be critical or dismissive toward someone stating the obvious.
Examples
そんなことは犬が西向きゃ尾は東だ。わざわざ説明する必要もない。
That is completely obvious. There is no need to go out of your way to explain it.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The vocabulary is simple, but the contraction 'mukya' (from mukeba) and the specific idiomatic phrasing are less transparent for beginners.
西
にし / nishi
west
向きゃ
むきゃ / mukya
if facing (contraction of mukeba)
尾
お / o
tail
東
ひがし / higashi
east
Usage Profile
Usage note: Using this can sound dismissive of the other person's effort to explain something.
Misread Risk
It is not a literal observation about dogs, but a metaphorical way to point out redundant speech.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
The expression comes from the undeniable physical fact that if a dog faces west, its tail must point east. It uses this simple natural consequence to illustrate how pointless it is to explain things that are already perfectly clear.
Index
Topics, Situations, and Tags
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Source Note
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