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Japanese Proverbs About Life & General Wisdom

Japanese proverbs about life help make sense of choices, change, and the small consequences that shape ordinary days. This set is useful when you want grounded wisdom rather than a grand slogan.

Page 8 of 8 lists entries 337-362. Start from the first page to see this list from the beginning.

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Japanese Proverbs in Life & General Wisdom

Showing 337-362 of 362 entries // Page 8 of 8

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鬼に金棒

oni ni kanabo

A strong person or thing becomes even more powerful when provided with an additional advantage.

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良薬は口に苦し

ryoyaku wa kuchi ni nigashi

Sincere advice and constructive criticism may be painful to hear, but they are beneficial for one's self-improvement.

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歳月人を待たず

saigetsu hito o matazu

Time passes regardless of human circumstances, so one should value every moment and not procrastinate.

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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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青天の霹靂

seiten no hekireki

A sudden, unexpected event or a major incident that occurs without warning.

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鹿を逐う者は山を見ず

shika o ou mono wa yama o mizu

When focused on a single goal, one loses sight of the surroundings or larger context.

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失敗は成功のもと

shippai wa seikou no moto

Failure is not just a setback but a necessary step that leads to success if you learn from it and improve.

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知らぬが仏

shiranu ga hotoke

Remaining in a state of calm because one is unaware of things that would otherwise cause anger or distress.

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朱に交われば赤くなる

shu ni majiwareba akaku naru

People are influenced, for better or worse, by the companions they keep and the environment they are in.

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好きこそ物の上手なれ

suki koso mono no jozu nare

People naturally become proficient at things they enjoy because they practice them with enthusiasm.

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蓼食う虫も好き好き

tade kuu mushi mo sukizuki

People's tastes and preferences vary greatly, and there is no accounting for taste.

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棚からぼた餅

tana kara bota mochi

Receiving unexpected good fortune or profit without making any effort.

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灯台下暗し

todai moto kurashi

It is difficult to notice things that are right under your nose or close to you.

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時は金なり

toki wa kane nari

Time is precious and should not be wasted because it is as valuable as money.

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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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鵜の真似をする烏

u no mane o suru karasu

Attempting to imitate someone more capable without considering your own limits leads to failure.

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馬の耳に念仏

uma no mimi ni nenbutsu

No matter how much advice or opinion you give, the listener ignores it and it has no effect.

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雲泥の差

undei no sa

An immense difference or gap between two things that makes them incomparable.

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嘘も方便

uso mo hoben

Sometimes a lie is a necessary means to achieve a good result or avoid harm.

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嘘つきは泥棒のはじまり

usotsuki wa dorobou no hajimari

Lying is the first step toward committing more serious crimes like theft.

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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.

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渡る世間に鬼はない

wataru seken ni oni wa nai

The world is not only full of heartless people, and there is always someone kind to help you in times of trouble.

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焼け石に水

yakeishi ni mizu

A small amount of effort or aid that is completely ineffective against a large problem.

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病は気から

yamai wa ki kara

Physical illness is influenced by one's state of mind, potentially improving or worsening based on one's attitude.

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安物買いの銭失い

yasumono gai no zeni ushinai

Buying cheap items leads to extra expenses because they break easily or are of poor quality.

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善は急げ

zen wa isoge

Hurry to do good deeds without hesitation.