Proverb / Kotowaza
嘘も方便
Sometimes a lie is a necessary means to achieve a good result or avoid harm.
A lie is also a means
Quick Answer
Sometimes a lie is a necessary means to achieve a good result or avoid harm.
- Literal Image
- A lie is also a means
- How to Use It
- Used when justifying a lie told for someone else's benefit or to maintain peace. It is specifically applied to white lies told with good intentions.
Meaning
Depending on the situation, telling a lie can be a justified tool for achieving a positive outcome or helping others. While lying is regarded as wrong, this expression suggests that white lies are acceptable when used with good intentions or for a greater purpose.
Literal Image
A lie is also a means
How to Use It
Used when justifying a lie told for someone else's benefit or to maintain peace. It is specifically applied to white lies told with good intentions.
Tone
Neutral; can be used to explain or defend a specific instance of dishonesty that served a helpful purpose.
Examples
病気の母を心配させまいと、元気だよと伝えた。嘘も方便だ。
I told my sick mother I was doing well so she wouldn't worry. Sometimes a lie is a necessary means.
子どもをなだめるために少し大げさに褒めた。嘘も方便である。
I praised the child a bit excessively to soothe them. A lie can be a helpful tool.
相手を傷つけないための優しい嘘は、嘘も方便と言えるだろう。
A kind lie told to avoid hurting someone's feelings can be called a necessary means.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses simple words like 'uso' (lie), but 'hoben' is a Buddhist term that adds a layer of idiomatic complexity.
嘘
うそ / uso
lie
方便
ほうべん / hoben
expedient means; helpful tool; way
Usage Profile
Usage note: While this proverb justifies lying, it should only be used when the lie is truly for a beneficial purpose, not for selfish gain.
Misread Risk
Do not use this to justify harmful deception; it is specifically for 'expedient means' that help others.
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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.