Proverb / Kotowaza
色の白いは七難隠す
A fair complexion can make up for many other physical shortcomings or defects.
Fair skin hides seven flaws.
Quick Answer
A fair complexion can make up for many other physical shortcomings or defects.
- Literal Image
- Fair skin hides seven flaws.
- Closest Equivalent
- A fair complexion can cover many flaws.
- How to Use It
- Used when discussing how a specific positive attribute (traditionally fair skin) compensates for other less desirable traits.
Meaning
This expression suggests that having fair skin is such a significant beauty trait that it causes people to overlook other flaws in one's facial features or physique. By extension, it is also used to describe how a single outstanding merit can compensate for various other weaknesses.
Literal Image
Fair skin hides seven flaws.
Equivalent Proverbs
A fair complexion can cover many flaws.
Matches the literal image and the underlying lesson regarding physical beauty.
How to Use It
Used when discussing how a specific positive attribute (traditionally fair skin) compensates for other less desirable traits.
Tone
Informal to neutral. It can be used in a descriptive or slightly complimentary way regarding physical appearance.
Examples
色の白いは七難隠すというから、彼女は肌の白さで他の欠点が気にならなくなる。
They say fair skin hides seven flaws, so her pale complexion makes people overlook her other defects.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses words like color and white, but the particle usage of 'wa' after an adjective and the idiomatic 'shichinan' make it slightly advanced.
色
いろ / iro
color; complexion
白い
しろい / shiroi
white; fair
七難
しちなん / shichinan
seven flaws; seven misfortunes
隠す
かくす / kakusu
to hide; to conceal
Usage Profile
Usage note: Be mindful of modern sensitivities regarding skin color when using this proverb literally.
Misread Risk
Do not interpret the number 'seven' literally; it is a hyperbolic way to say 'many' or 'various' flaws.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
The term 'shichinan' refers to seven defects or misfortunes. The proverb arose as a hyperbolic expression, suggesting that fair skin possesses a power great enough to conceal seven different physical shortcomings.
Index
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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.