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Japanese Proverbs About Japanese Culture

Culture-rich Japanese proverbs open a window onto habits, values, manners, and ways people judge a situation. This selection helps readers learn meaning without turning every saying into an unsupported origin story.

Page 3 of 3 lists entries 97-110. Start from the first page to see this list from the beginning.

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Japanese Proverbs in Japanese Culture

Showing 97-110 of 110 entries // Page 3 of 3

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板につく

ita ni tsuku

To become accustomed to a role or position, so that one's behavior appears completely natural.

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鰯の頭も信心から

iwashi no atama mo shinjin kara

Faith has the power to make even the most trivial or worthless things seem precious and valuable.

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地獄極楽は心にあり

jigoku gokuraku wa kokoro ni ari

Whether one experiences suffering (hell) or joy (paradise) is determined entirely by one's own mindset.

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自慢高慢馬鹿の内

jiman koman baka no uchi

Boasting and acting arrogant are foolish behaviors.

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地震雷火事親父

jishin kaminari kaji oyaji

A traditional list of the four most terrifying things.

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亀の甲より年の功

kame no ko yori toshi no ko

Experience gained over many years is more valuable than anything else.

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聞くは一時の恥聞かぬは一生の恥

kiku wa ittoki no haji kikanu wa issho no haji

Asking a question may be embarrassing for a moment, but remaining ignorant brings shame for a lifetime.

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清水の舞台から飛び降りる

kiyomizu no butai kara tobioriru

To make a bold decision or take a leap of faith with desperate resolve.

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子はかすがい

ko wa kasugai

A child’s presence serves as the bond that keeps a husband and wife together.

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弘法も筆の誤り

kobo mo fude no ayamari

Even the greatest experts can make mistakes.

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苦しい時の神頼み

kurushii toki no kamidanomi

Turning to divine help only when in trouble, despite ignoring it at other times.

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猿も木から落ちる

saru mo ki kara ochiru

Even experts can make mistakes in their own field of expertise.

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鶴は千年亀は万年

tsuru wa sennen kame wa mannen

A celebratory expression used to wish for longevity and prosperity based on the long lifespans of cranes and turtles.

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笑う門には福来たる

warau kado ni wa fuku kitaru

Good fortune naturally visits a household that is always filled with laughter.