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Japanese Proverbs to Talk About Reputation

Japanese proverbs for talking about reputation help address good name, shame, public judgment, and the social cost of losing trust. This selection fits moments when readers need language sensitive to face and dignity.

Japanese Proverbs to Talk About Reputation

Showing 1-16 of 16 entries // Page 1 of 1

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悪事千里を走る

akuji senri o hashiru

Bad deeds and negative rumors spread quickly to the world.

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悪事千里を行く

akuji senri o iku

Bad deeds and negative reputations spread rapidly over great distances.

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仰いで天に愧じず

aoide ten ni hajizu

Living with a clear conscience, having absolutely nothing to be ashamed of when reflecting on one's actions.

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武士に二言は無い

bushi ni nigon wa nai

A person of integrity should never go back on their word or change a promise once made.

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易簀

eki saku

A respectful term used to describe the death of a person of great virtue, learning, or wisdom.

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下衆の勘繰り

gesu no kanguri

Malicious guessing or suspicious speculation by a person of low character.

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恥の上塗り

haji no uwanuri

To pile further shame on top of an existing failure, while trying to cover it up.

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針の筵

hari no mushiro

A situation where one feels extreme discomfort or mental pain due to their surroundings.

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火のない所に煙は立たぬ

hi no nai tokoro ni kemuri wa tatanu

A rumor cannot exist without some underlying truth or cause.

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髭の塵を払う

hige no chiri o harau

To curry favor with or flatter a superior.

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品行方正

hinkou housei

Behaving in a morally upright and exemplary manner.

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人の口に戸は立てられぬ

hito no kuchi ni to wa taterarenu

It is impossible to stop people from gossiping or spreading rumors.

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人のうわさも七十五日

hito no uwasa mo shichijugo nichi

Rumors and gossip are naturally forgotten by the public as time passes.

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百発百中

hyappatsu hyakuchu

Hitting the target with every shot, or having every plan or prediction come true with perfect accuracy.

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一挙手一投足

ikkyoshu ittosoku

Refers to every single movement or action a person takes, no matter how minor.

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異口同音

iku doon

Many people saying the same thing or being in complete agreement.