Proverb / Kotowaza
十人十色
To each their own; everyone has different thoughts, tastes, and personalities.
ten people, ten colors
Quick Answer
To each their own; everyone has different thoughts, tastes, and personalities.
- Literal Image
- ten people, ten colors
- Closest Equivalent
- So many men, so many minds
- How to Use It
- It is used to acknowledge or respect individual differences, to explain why people disagree or have different styles. It can be used in both casual and formal contexts when discussing variety or personal choice.
Meaning
This expression describes how every individual has their own unique way of thinking, preferences, and character. Just as there are ten different people, there will be ten different 'colors' or traits, emphasizing that diversity is a natural human condition.
Literal Image
ten people, ten colors
Equivalent Proverbs
So many men, so many minds
Focuses on differing opinions.
Variety is the spice of life
Focuses on the value of diversity.
How to Use It
It is used to acknowledge or respect individual differences, to explain why people disagree or have different styles. It can be used in both casual and formal contexts when discussing variety or personal choice.
Tone
Neutral and observant; it can be used to promote tolerance or simply to state a fact about human diversity.
Examples
服の好みは十人十色だから、色々なお店を見て回ろう。
Everyone's taste in clothes is different, so let's take a look at various shops.
みんな違ってみんな良い。「十人十色」というように、お互いの個性を尊重することが大切だ。
Everyone is different and everyone is good. Just as the saying goes, 'ten people, ten colors,' it is important to respect each other's individuality.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The kanji for ten, person, and color are basic, but the four-character compound structure and the specific reading of 'toiro' make it an intermediate idiomatic expression.
十人
じゅうにん / juunin
ten people
十色
といろ / toiro
ten colors; ten types
Usage Profile
Misread Risk
Ensure you use the reading 'toiro' rather than 'juushoku' for this specific proverb.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
This expression is associated with a passage in the Edo-period puppet play (Jōruri) titled Imoseyama Onna Teikin. Originally, it was not used as the exact phrase 'Juunin Toiro,' but rather as a metaphor using various colors to illustrate differences in appearance and character. Over time, it evolved into its current form to describe individual personality and variety.
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Source Note
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