Proverb / Kotowaza
良薬は口に苦し
Sincere advice and constructive criticism may be painful to hear, but they are beneficial for one's self-improvement.
Good medicine is bitter to the mouth.
Quick Answer
Sincere advice and constructive criticism may be painful to hear, but they are beneficial for one's self-improvement.
- Literal Image
- Good medicine is bitter to the mouth.
- Closest Equivalent
- Bitters do good to the stomach
- How to Use It
- People use this expression when they realize that a piece of criticism, while painful at the time, was correct and helpful for their development.
Meaning
Just as effective medicine has a bitter taste that makes it difficult to swallow, honest advice or warnings can be unpleasant to receive. However, just as that medicine cures an illness, such words are ultimately for one's own benefit. This proverb encourages accepting harsh truths as a means to personal growth.
Literal Image
Good medicine is bitter to the mouth.
Equivalent Proverbs
Bitters do good to the stomach
Focuses on the benefit of bitter things for health.
How to Use It
People use this expression when they realize that a piece of criticism, while painful at the time, was correct and helpful for their development.
Tone
Formal and instructive. It is used in a reflective manner after receiving a harsh rebuke.
Examples
厳しい指摘だったが、的を射ていた。良薬は口に苦しというものだ。
It was a harsh criticism, but it hit the mark. As they say, good medicine is bitter to the mouth.
耳の痛い助言こそ成長につながる。良薬は口に苦しだ。
Advice that is hard to hear is exactly what leads to growth. Good medicine tastes bitter.
上司の叱責は辛かったが、おかげでミスが減った。良薬は口に苦しである。
The boss's reprimand was painful, but thanks to it, my mistakes have decreased. Good medicine is bitter to the mouth.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses nouns like 'medicine' and 'mouth', but the 'nigashi' ending is a classical adjective form that may be unfamiliar.
良薬
りょうやく / ryouyaku
good medicine
口
くち / kuchi
mouth
苦し
にがし / nigashi
bitter (classical form)
Usage Profile
Usage note: While it justifies harsh criticism, using it to dismiss someone's hurt feelings can seem cold.
Misread Risk
It is not only about physical medicine; it is used as a metaphor for advice or criticism.
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Origin
The expression is attributed to Confucius: 'Good medicine is bitter to the mouth but beneficial for the illness; sincere advice is unpleasant to the ear but beneficial for one's conduct' (良薬は口に苦けれど病に利あり、忠言は耳に逆らえども行に利あり).
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