Japanese Proverbs About Life & General Wisdom

Good deeds bring good results, and bad deeds bring bad results.

Human life and longevity are determined by fate or a higher power beyond human control.

Everything is possible only as long as you are alive, so life must be protected above all else.

Living a long life increases the opportunities for experiencing shame and disgrace.

Doing good deeds in secret will inevitably lead to a visible reward.

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.

Stating a fact that is so obvious it does not need to be mentioned.

While the first drink is controlled by the person, subsequent drinks lead to a loss of self-control until the alcohol eventually dominates the drinker.

Just as some ships enter a port while others leave, every parting is balanced by a new meeting.

Refers to an impossible event occurring or to someone past their prime achieving success again.

Romantic feelings can drive people to act beyond reason and sense.

A fair complexion can make up for many other physical shortcomings or defects.

Preferring the satisfaction of one's appetite over romantic or sexual interests.

Perseverance prevails; even a cold stone will eventually become warm if you sit on it long enough.

To be extremely cautious even when something appears safe.

Taking a safe, indirect route is ultimately faster than a risky shortcut.

No one can predict what will happen in the immediate future.

To reap the consequences of one's own actions.

To each their own; everyone has different thoughts, tastes, and personalities.

Children inevitably resemble their parents in character, ability, and lifestyle.

Good luck comes naturally in its own time, so wait patiently without rushing.

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

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

Stay vigilant even after a victory or success.

Persistence and steady effort lead to success and mastery.

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

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

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

Even the greatest experts can make mistakes.

Time flies as quickly as a flying arrow.

Regretting something after it is already done is useless because it cannot be undone.

Preparing in advance ensures that you can avoid failure when trouble strikes.

Careless words can lead to great misfortune for the speaker.

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

Yielding a trivial argument or short-term loss can lead to a long-term victory or benefit.

Extremely clever and quick-witted.

Criticizing someone for a flaw that you also possess without realizing it.

To suffer the negative consequences of one's own past actions.

Giving up on something quickly or being unable to stick to a routine for long.

A situation where bad luck is followed by even more bad luck.

Kindness shown to others is not just for their benefit, but will eventually return to you.

Giving something of great value to someone who cannot appreciate or understand its worth.

To be so extremely busy that one would welcome help from anyone, even a cat.

To hide one's true nature and behave in a gentle or innocent manner.

Things that have occurred twice are likely to happen a third time.

Good things are found among the items others have left behind.