Japanese Proverbs About Animals & Nature

Failing to obtain anything by being greedy and trying to grab two things at once.

Persistent bad weather can make people and animals feel gloomy and irritable.

Laws or regulations that are too loose allow major criminals to escape justice.

The state of a rider and horse moving in perfect harmony, or a master of a craft becoming one with their tools.

An unnaturally calm state that precedes a major event or upheaval.

A tiny flaw or a moment of carelessness can lead to a massive disaster or failure.

Extremely strict security or surveillance where not a single gap remains.

A tiny oversight or flaw can eventually lead to a major disaster.

Just as shallow waters create the loudest waves, people with little ability or knowledge tend to be the most boastful and noisy.

A black kite calling in the morning is a traditional sign that rain is approaching, advising people to stay indoors.

An unexpected event occurs suddenly in a familiar place, or one suddenly decides to take action.

Handle your own problems before trying to fix or criticize others.

Refers to an insider, such as a family member or employee, who steals or embezzles from within.

Used to describe someone who cannot handle their own affairs yet tries to interfere in the business of others.

Attend to your own affairs before interfering in the business of others.

A person who arrives later or starts later sometimes overtakes those who were ahead of them.

Refers to a one-sided love where one person has deep feelings for someone who does not feel the same way.

To ignore opinions or criticism and let them pass without any effect.

To reveal one's hidden true nature or actual level of skill due to a slip-up.

Skillful flattery can motivate anyone to accomplish things they normally cannot do.

Giving something valuable to someone who cannot appreciate its worth is a waste.

To be caught up in an unexpected disaster or trouble through no fault of one's own.

A close friend from early childhood.

To rush headlong into something with intense energy without considering the consequences.

Even those with limited talent can match gifted individuals through persistent and continuous effort.

Forcing someone with limited ability to work harder, or humbly expressing one's resolve to do their best despite a lack of talent.

A situation where everyone or everything is much the same, with no one standing out as superior.

A person of lower status or ability being present among high-ranking or highly skilled individuals.

To gain a great profit or a valuable reward from a small initial investment or gift.

Even with an abundance of resources, an individual can only consume or use what is necessary for their own measure.

Outsiders should not interfere in marital disputes because the couple will likely reconcile on their own.

Expresses a conflict where one desires something attractive but is held back by the fear of associated risks.

To be terrified by even the slightest sound or sign of something.

The final crucial touch that completes a work and makes it perfect.

To eat and drink in enormous quantities.

To take the lead or hold actual power within an organization or group.

To be paralyzed with fear when facing a powerful opponent or a terrifying situation.

True character and quality can only be understood through direct personal experience.

Entrusting the care or management of something to a person who is likely to cause harm or damage to it.

A person who makes loud threats or boasts lacks the courage or ability to take actual action.

Something unexpected happening, or a joke becoming reality.

Refers to someone who is narrow-minded or lacks perspective because they only know their own small world.

Acting with ruthless speed to snatch profits from others in a fiercely competitive environment.

Groundless rumors spread rapidly and are accepted as truth by the masses.

Describes how quickly children’s moods change, shifting from tears to laughter in an instant.

Even a brief act of kindness is remembered for a very long time.

Action leads to unexpected outcomes, whether they be sudden misfortunes or lucky accidents.

Someone else takes the credit or reward for your hard work.