Proverb / Kotowaza
蟹は甲羅に似せて穴を掘る
People naturally act, desire, and live in ways that suit their abilities, means, and social standing.
A crab digs a hole to match its shell.
Quick Answer
People naturally act, desire, and live in ways that suit their abilities, means, and social standing.
- Literal Image
- A crab digs a hole to match its shell.
- Closest Equivalent
- Cut your coat according to your cloth.
- How to Use It
- Used to advise someone to set realistic goals, live within their means, or act in accordance with their actual abilities rather than overextending themselves.
Meaning
Just as a crab digs a hole perfectly sized for its own shell, people tend to adopt behaviors and hold desires that align with their personal capacity. It suggests that one's actions, lifestyle, and goals should realistically reflect their actual abilities rather than overreaching. The expression is used as a reminder to live within one's means and to understand one's proper place.
Literal Image
A crab digs a hole to match its shell.
Equivalent Proverbs
Cut your coat according to your cloth.
Both emphasize acting within the constraints of one's resources or abilities.
How to Use It
Used to advise someone to set realistic goals, live within their means, or act in accordance with their actual abilities rather than overextending themselves.
Tone
Advisory and cautionary, emphasizing realism.
Examples
身の丈に合った暮らしをしなさいと、祖父はいつも「蟹は甲羅に似せて穴を掘る」と言っていた。
Telling me to live a lifestyle suited to my means, my grandfather always used to say, 'A crab digs a hole to match its shell.'
蟹は甲羅に似せて穴を掘るというように、自分の実力を見極めて目標を立てることが大切だ。
As the saying goes, 'a crab digs a hole to match its shell'; it is important to assess your true abilities and set goals accordingly.
無理に背伸びしても長くは続かない。蟹は甲羅に似せて穴を掘るものだ。
Even if you push yourself too hard, it will not last long. A crab digs a hole to match its shell.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses intermediate vocabulary like 'koura' (shell) and 'niseru' (to model after) in a straightforward, literal metaphor.
蟹
かに / kani
crab
甲羅
こうら / koura
shell (of a crab or turtle)
似せて
にせて / nisete
modeling after / imitating
穴を掘る
あなをほる / ana o horu
to dig a hole
Usage Profile
Usage note: Be cautious using this toward others, as it can sound condescending or restrictive by implying they should stay in their lane and not aim higher.
Misread Risk
Do not interpret this merely as an animal fact; it is applied to human boundaries, ambition, and social standing.
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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.