Proverb / Kotowaza
亀の甲より年の功
Experience gained over many years is more valuable than anything else.
Experience of years over the shell of a tortoise
Quick Answer
Experience gained over many years is more valuable than anything else.
- Literal Image
- Experience of years over the shell of a tortoise
- Closest Equivalent
- The older, the wiser.
- How to Use It
- This is used to praise the accurate judgment or skill of elderly people or veterans in a field. It can be applied when an experienced person's intuition or advice proves superior to theoretical data or the energy of youth.
Meaning
Long-term experience and the wisdom that comes with age are highly precious and should be respected. The phrase uses a play on words, linking the ko of tortoise shell (甲) with 劫, a word for an extremely long span of time; 年の功 then points to value built through years of experience. It emphasizes that there is no substitute for the practical insight gained through living and working for a long time.
Literal Image
Experience of years over the shell of a tortoise
Equivalent Proverbs
The older, the wiser.
Years bring wisdom.
Sense comes with age.
How to Use It
This is used to praise the accurate judgment or skill of elderly people or veterans in a field. It can be applied when an experienced person's intuition or advice proves superior to theoretical data or the energy of youth.
Tone
Respectful and appreciative of wisdom and experience.
Examples
ベテラン社員の助言が的確だった。亀の甲より年の功だ。
The veteran employee's advice was spot on. Experience really is the best teacher.
祖母の知恵は侮れない。亀の甲より年の功というものだ。
My grandmother's wisdom is not to be underestimated. As they say, years bring wisdom.
経験豊富な職人の勘は、データ以上に正確だ。亀の甲より年の功である。
The intuition of an experienced craftsman is more accurate than data. Experience counts for more than anything.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The vocabulary consists of basic nouns, but the pun on 'ko' and the idiomatic comparison between a tortoise shell and years of merit require intermediate understanding.
亀
かめ / kame
tortoise; turtle
甲
こう / ko
shell; carapace
年の功
としのこう / toshi no ko
wisdom of age; experience
Usage Profile
Misread Risk
While it praises experience, avoid using it in a way that sounds like you are dismissive of new ideas or modern methods just because they lack 'age'.
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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.