Japanese Proverbs About Life & General Wisdom

Always having a comeback or excuse instead of listening to what someone says.

When someone is in love or biased, even the other person's flaws appear to be charming qualities.

A scene of extreme suffering where people cry out in agony and desperation.

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

Taking a significant risk or using dangerous methods to achieve a goal.

Doing something dangerous is equivalent to being injured, even if you avoid harm this time.

Satisfying one side results in a disadvantage for the other.

To rest on one's laurels or status and stop making an effort.

Expresses deep sorrow and regret for being unable to repay the immense debt of gratitude to one's parents after their passing.

The pain and sorrow of being separated from loved ones, whether by life or death.

Becoming so physically wasted and thin from extreme grief that one is reduced to skin and bone.

To pity someone who has failed or committed a fault while also disciplining them to prevent a recurrence.

To have a charm and amiability so natural and abundant that it seems to overflow from one's expressions and gestures.

To lose all affection, trust, or patience for someone due to their bad behavior.

To be so stunned or dumbfounded by someone's appalling behavior that one is left speechless.

Receiving unexpected good fortune or profit without making any effort.

One's fundamental nature, habits, or methods remain consistent even when interacting with different people or in different environments.

Accomplishing something with extreme ease due to an overwhelming difference in strength or ability.

A metaphor for a result that is disappointing and falls short of one's high expectations.

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

The autumn sun sets extremely quickly, as if a bucket were falling straight down into a well.

A metaphor for a woman who has lost a man's love, or anything that was once valued but is now neglected after its time has passed.

When you are hungry, anything you eat tastes delicious.

People who lack knowledge or ability tend to be the ones who talk the most and brag loudly.

Autumn eggplants are either too delicious to share with a daughter-in-law or should be avoided for her health.

Accepting what cannot be changed is vital for maintaining mental health.

Someone who gets bored with things quickly also tends to fall for new interests just as fast.

The most outstanding or impressive part of a work or performance that surpasses all others.

A person who has the strong will required to do evil can apply that same strength to accomplish great good if they reform.

If you do bad things, you will eventually face negative consequences.

An unattractive woman tends to be deeply devoted and single-minded in her love for one person.

Marrying an unsuitable wife results in a lifetime of hardship comparable to sixty years of crop failure.

Fighting desperately against great odds or in a very difficult situation.

Good things can unexpectedly be found in what others have left behind or passed over.

A metaphor for stating something that is completely obvious or self-evident.

Adversity or conflict leads to a more stable and stronger foundation than before.

Just as a net cannot trap the wind, money can flow away without staying, or chasing small details can be futile.

To be so deeply embarrassed that one wants to hide or disappear.

Having an older wife helps a husband live a steady and frugal life, leading to the growth of family wealth.

Attempting something is easier than the anxiety felt beforehand.

A student or disciple who surpasses their teacher in skill or knowledge.

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

A state of extreme distress, suffering, or being cornered by financial hardship.

Describing someone who has lost their energy and become visibly dejected or wilted.

To suffer the secondary damage or negative aftermath of an event or someone else's actions.

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

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

People find someone annoying while they are alive, only to miss them dearly once they have passed away.