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Japanese Proverbs About Motivation
Japanese proverbs about motivation are rarely just cheerful lines; they often speak through persistence, setbacks, repeated effort, and the choice to stand up again. This selection helps readers find kotowaza for personal drive, study, work, or moments when someone needs a reason to keep moving.
Japanese Proverbs in Motivation
Showing 1-45 of 45 entries // Page 1 of 1
商人に系図なし
akindo ni kezunashiSuccess in the merchant world depends on talent and effort rather than family background or social status.
悪戦苦闘
akusen kutouFighting desperately against great odds or in a very difficult situation.
雨垂れ石を穿つ
amadare ishi o ugatsuEven small efforts, when continued persistently over time, can achieve great success.
鞍上人なく鞍下馬なし
anjou hito naku anka uma nashiThe state of a rider and horse moving in perfect harmony, or a master of a craft becoming one with their tools.
案ずるより産むが易し
anzuru yori umu ga yasushiAttempting something is easier than the anxiety felt beforehand.
朝駆けの駄賃
asagake no dachinStarting early or taking proactive action leads to extra benefits and advantages.
当たって砕けろ
atatte kudakeroTake a bold leap and try your best, even if failure is a possibility.
文武両道
bun bu ryodoExcelling in both academic learning and physical training
豚もおだてりゃ木に登る
buta mo odaterya ki ni noboruSkillful flattery can motivate anyone to accomplish things they normally cannot do.
知恵と力は重荷にならぬ
chie to chikara wa omoni ni naranuKnowledge and physical strength are assets that never weigh you down and are always useful in life.
提灯持ちは先に立て
chochin mochi wa saki ni tateThose in a position to lead or guide others should take the initiative and act first.
断じて行えば鬼神も之を避く
danjite okonaeba kijin mo kore o sakuIf you act with firm resolve, no obstacle—not even supernatural forces—can stand in your way.
団結は力なり
danketsu wa chikara nariGreat strength is achieved when many people work together as a single unit.
駑馬に鞭打つ
doba ni muchiutsuForcing someone with limited ability to work harder, or humbly expressing one's resolve to do their best despite a lack of talent.
独立独歩
dokuritsu doppoTo forge ahead on one's own path by relying on one's own strength rather than depending on others.
読書百遍意自ずから通ず
dokusho hyappen i onozukara tsuuzuIf you read a difficult text many times, its meaning will eventually become clear on its own.
得手に帆を揚げる
ete ni ho o ageruTo enthusiastically seize a perfect opportunity to use one's special skills or talents.
不言実行
fugen jikkoCarrying out what needs to be done silently without making excuses or talking about it.
粉骨砕身
fun kotsu sai shinTo work with all one's might and devote oneself completely to a task.
不撓不屈
futo fukutsuPossessing a strong will that remains unbroken and steadfast despite any hardship or adversity.
芸は身を助ける
gei wa mi o tasukeruAcquired skills and knowledge can provide support for one's livelihood in times of need.
破竹の勢い
hachiku no ikioiAdvancing with fierce, unstoppable momentum.
始めが大事
hajime ga daijiThe initial approach or starting point of an endeavor significantly influences the final outcome.
始めよければ終わりよし
hajime yokereba owari yoshiIf a task or project starts well, it is likely to result in a successful conclusion.
早起きは三文の徳
hayaoki wa sanmon no tokuWaking up early is good for your health and can bring small, unexpected benefits.
始め半分
hajime hanbunStarting something is the most important part; once you begin, it is as good as half finished.
下手の横好き
heta no yokozukiBeing very enthusiastic about a hobby or activity despite not being particularly skilled at it.
惚れて通えば千里も一里
horete kayoeba senri mo ichiriWhen you are visiting someone you love, even a very long journey feels short.
百戦錬磨
hyakusen renmaDescribing someone who has gained extensive experience and skill through many real-world challenges.
一意専心
ichii senshinConcentrating single-mindedly on a single goal or task without distraction.
一念発起
ichinen hokkiFirmly resolving to achieve something through a strong, single-minded determination.
一念、岩をも徹す
ichinen iwa o mo toosuWith strong will and mental focus, one can manifest the power to overcome even the greatest difficulties.
一念、天に通ず
ichinen ten ni tsuuzuA strong desire or unwavering belief will reach heaven and eventually be rewarded.
意気消沈
iki shochinTo lose heart and become extremely dejected.
意気揚々
iki yoyoTo be in high spirits, feeling proud and triumphant.
一気呵成
ikki ka seiTo complete a task or a piece of writing in one continuous effort without stopping.
一発逆転
ippatsu gyakutenChanging a disadvantageous situation into a favorable one with a single attempt.
煎り豆に花
irimame ni hanaRefers to an impossible event occurring or to someone past their prime achieving success again.
石の上にも三年
ishi no ue ni mo sannenPerseverance prevails; even a cold stone will eventually become warm if you sit on it long enough.
継続は力なり
keizoku wa chikara nariPersistence and steady effort lead to success and mastery.
七転び八起き
nana korobi ya okiGetting back up no matter how many times one fails.
失敗は成功のもと
shippai wa seikou no motoFailure is not just a setback but a necessary step that leads to success if you learn from it and improve.
好きこそ物の上手なれ
suki koso mono no jozu narePeople naturally become proficient at things they enjoy because they practice them with enthusiasm.
笑う門には福来たる
warau kado ni wa fuku kitaruGood fortune naturally visits a household that is always filled with laughter.
善は急げ
zen wa isogeHurry to do good deeds without hesitation.