Proverb / Kotowaza
笑う門には福来たる
Good fortune naturally visits a household that is always filled with laughter.
Good fortune comes to a gate where people laugh
Quick Answer
Good fortune naturally visits a household that is always filled with laughter.
- Literal Image
- Good fortune comes to a gate where people laugh
- Closest Equivalent
- Fortune comes in by a merry gate.
- How to Use It
- Used to encourage others to stay positive during hardships or to describe how a bright and cheerful environment brings success.
Meaning
This proverb teaches that a cheerful and happy atmosphere attracts luck and prosperity. By maintaining a positive attitude and a smile even during difficult times, better outcomes are likely to follow in both family life and the workplace.
Literal Image
Good fortune comes to a gate where people laugh
Equivalent Proverbs
Fortune comes in by a merry gate.
Almost identical in both image and meaning.
How to Use It
Used to encourage others to stay positive during hardships or to describe how a bright and cheerful environment brings success.
Tone
Encouraging and optimistic.
Examples
笑う門には福来たるだ。辛い時こそ笑顔を忘れずにいたい。
As the saying goes, fortune comes to those who laugh. I want to remember to smile especially when things are hard.
笑う門には福来たると言うように、明るい職場には良い結果がついてくる。
Just as they say fortune comes to a cheerful home, a bright workplace leads to good results.
笑う門には福来たるを信じて、毎日を笑顔で過ごそう。
Believing that fortune comes to those who laugh, let's spend every day with a smile.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
While it uses the classical verb ending 'kitaru' and a specific meaning of 'kado' (home/family), the vocabulary is accessible and the message is straightforward.
笑う
わらう / warau
to laugh
門
かど / kado
gate; family; household
福
ふく / fuku
good fortune; luck
来たる
きたる / kitaru
to come; to arrive (classical form)
Usage Profile
Usage note: Do not treat 'kado' as just a physical object; understand its meaning as a symbol for the family unit.
Misread Risk
Do not interpret 'kado' as just a physical gate; in this context, it represents the entire household or family.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
This proverb is based on an ancient Japanese belief that the God of Fortune (Fukunokami) visits homes where laughter never ceases. It is also included in the Iroha Karuta card game.
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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.