Proverb / Kotowaza
蛙の子は蛙
Children inevitably resemble their parents in character, ability, and lifestyle.
A frog's child is a frog
Quick Answer
Children inevitably resemble their parents in character, ability, and lifestyle.
- Literal Image
- A frog's child is a frog
- Closest Equivalent
- Like father, like son
- How to Use It
- It can be used with a critical or self-deprecating nuance rather than as praise. While it is acceptable to use it when speaking humbly about one's own children, using it for others can be seen as rude or insulting.
Meaning
This proverb expresses that children will naturally follow in their parents' footsteps and inherit their traits. It can be used to suggest that the child of an ordinary person will also be ordinary, rather than showing extraordinary talent.
Literal Image
A frog's child is a frog
Equivalent Proverbs
Like father, like son
An English equivalent for children resembling their parents.
How to Use It
It can be used with a critical or self-deprecating nuance rather than as praise. While it is acceptable to use it when speaking humbly about one's own children, using it for others can be seen as rude or insulting.
Tone
Carries a critical or humbling tone; caution is advised when using it for others.
Examples
信長は底意のむごき大悪人に候。信忠の世にさへなり候はばと、かねて存じ暮らしても候が、蛙の子の魚に似て蛙になるを見れば、頼みなし。
Nobunaga is a cruel and great villain at heart. I had hoped for a better world when Nobutada took over, but seeing how the child of a frog resembles a fish yet becomes a frog, there is no hope.
From the Momiike Nikki, reflecting on political succession.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses simple, familiar vocabulary, though the metaphor and social nuance require some understanding.
蛙
かえる / kaeru
frog
子
こ / ko
child
Usage Profile
Usage note: Be careful when applying this to other people's children, as it implies the child is merely ordinary or shares the parent's flaws.
Misread Risk
while it can describe resemblance, use caution because it can imply shared mediocrity or negative traits rather than praise.
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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.