Proverb / Kotowaza
色は思案の外
Romantic feelings can drive people to act beyond reason and sense.
Romantic love is outside of rational thought.
Quick Answer
Romantic feelings can drive people to act beyond reason and sense.
- Literal Image
- Romantic love is outside of rational thought.
- How to Use It
- Used when observing someone acting out of character or recklessly because they are in love.
Meaning
When people are overcome by romantic passion, they behave in unexpected ways that go beyond their normal judgment. It serves as a reminder that love has the power to override logical and cautious minds.
Literal Image
Romantic love is outside of rational thought.
How to Use It
Used when observing someone acting out of character or recklessly because they are in love.
Tone
Used as an observation of human nature or a mild warning about the power of emotions.
Examples
あの真面目な彼が会社を辞めてまで彼女について行くとは、色は思案の外だね。
That serious guy even quit his job to follow her; romantic passion really defies logic.
冷静沈着な彼女があんな浪費家に夢中になるなんて、まさに色は思案の外だ。
For someone as calm and collected as her to fall for such a spendthrift—it's truly a case of love overriding reason.
年甲斐もなく若い女性に貢いでしまうのも、色は思案の外というやつだろう。
Spending all that money on a young woman at his age is likely what they mean by love being outside of rational thought.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Contains accessible vocabulary, but 'shian' and the idiomatic 'no hoka' structure require higher-level understanding.
色
いろ / iro
color; (here) romantic love or passion
思案
しあん / shian
thought; deliberation; consideration
外
ほか / hoka
outside; beyond
Usage Profile
Usage note: It is important to note that in this context, the word for 'color' signifies romance.
Misread Risk
In this specific context, 'iro' refers to romantic or physical attraction rather than literal colors.
Search As
Related Proverbs
Origin
This proverb dates back to the Edo period. 'Iro' signifies romantic affection, while 'shian no hoka' indicates being beyond the scope of rational judgment. It expresses the idea that romantic feelings can disrupt even logical reasoning, a sentiment also found in the 'Ukiyozoushi' (books of the floating world) by Ihara Saikaku.
Index
Topics, Situations, and Tags
Topics
Situations
Tags
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.