Proverb / Kotowaza
歳月人を待たず
Time passes regardless of human circumstances, so one should value every moment and not procrastinate.
Years and months do not wait for people.
Quick Answer
Time passes regardless of human circumstances, so one should value every moment and not procrastinate.
- Literal Image
- Years and months do not wait for people.
- Closest Equivalent
- Time and tide wait for no man.
- How to Use It
- Used when giving advice to someone to start a task immediately or when reflecting on how quickly time has passed, such as at the end of a year.
Meaning
This proverb serves as a reminder that time continues to move forward without pause, regardless of whether a person is ready or not. It emphasizes the importance of taking action and completing tasks while the opportunity exists. Because lost time cannot be recovered, the teaching encourages individuals to cherish and make the most of their time.
Literal Image
Years and months do not wait for people.
Equivalent Proverbs
Time and tide wait for no man.
Matches both the literal image of time not waiting and the underlying lesson.
How to Use It
Used when giving advice to someone to start a task immediately or when reflecting on how quickly time has passed, such as at the end of a year.
Tone
Carries a serious and advisory tone, can be used for life advice.
Examples
歳月人を待たず。若いうちにしっかり勉強しておきなさい。
Time waits for no one. You should study hard while you are young.
気づけばもう年末だ。本当に歳月人を待たずだね。
Before I knew it, it was already the end of the year. Time really doesn't wait for anyone.
歳月人を待たずというから、やりたいことはすぐに始めよう。
They say time waits for no one, so let's start what we want to do right away.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The term 'saigetsu' (time/years) is N1/N2 level vocabulary, and the verb ending 'matazu' uses a classical negative form (zu) instead of the standard 'nai'.
歳月
さいげつ / saigetsu
years and months; time
人
ひと / hito
person; people
待たず
またず / matazu
not waiting; without waiting
Usage Profile
Usage note: Because it sounds like a lecture, be careful when using it with superiors or people who are already struggling with time constraints.
Misread Risk
While the literal translation refers to 'years and months', the proverb is used to discuss time in a general sense, not just specific calendar dates.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
This expression is derived from a passage in 'Zashi' (Miscellaneous Poems) by the Chinese poet Tao Yuanming, which includes the line 歳月不待人, meaning 'Time does not wait for people.'
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