Proverb / Kotowaza
朱に交われば赤くなる
People are influenced, for better or worse, by the companions they keep and the environment they are in.
If you mingle with vermilion, you will turn red
Quick Answer
People are influenced, for better or worse, by the companions they keep and the environment they are in.
- Literal Image
- If you mingle with vermilion, you will turn red
- Closest Equivalent
- He who touches pitch will be defiled
- How to Use It
- This is used to explain how someone's behavior has changed due to their friends, or as a piece of advice to choose one's companions carefully to ensure positive growth.
Meaning
This proverb suggests that individuals are naturally influenced by their social circle and surroundings. Just as a white cloth becomes stained when placed near red pigment, a person's character and behavior will change to match those they associate with. It emphasizes that one can become good or bad depending on their company.
Literal Image
If you mingle with vermilion, you will turn red
Equivalent Proverbs
He who touches pitch will be defiled
Focuses on the negative influence of bad company.
The rotten apple injures its neighbors
Focuses on how one bad person can corrupt others.
How to Use It
This is used to explain how someone's behavior has changed due to their friends, or as a piece of advice to choose one's companions carefully to ensure positive growth.
Tone
Instructional and cautionary.
Examples
不良グループと付き合い始めてから態度が変わった。朱に交われば赤くなるだ。
Their attitude changed after they started hanging out with a bad group. It's just as they say: if you mingle with vermilion, you turn red.
朱に交われば赤くなるというから、子どもの友人関係には気を配りたい。
Since we become like those we associate with, I want to keep a close eye on my child's friendships.
意識の高い人たちに囲まれると自然と成長できる。朱に交われば赤くなるである。
Being surrounded by highly motivated people allows you to grow naturally. You truly become like the company you keep.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses the classical 'ba' conditional and the verb 'majiwaru', making the structure slightly more formal than daily speech.
朱
しゅ / shu
vermilion; scarlet
交わる
まじわる / majiwaru
to associate with; to mingle
赤くなる
あかくなる / akaku naru
to turn red
Usage Profile
Usage note: Can be used to describe positive growth, but is very can be used as a warning about negative influences.
Misread Risk
Do not assume this only applies to bad behavior; the source notes it can mean becoming 'better or worse' based on the environment.
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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.