Tag
Japanese Proverbs About Philosophy
Philosophical Japanese proverbs invite reflection on life, change, human nature, and the limits of what people know. This selection is for readers who want brief, usable wisdom rather than abstract theory.
Page 3 of 3 lists entries 97-114. Start from the first page to see this list from the beginning.
Back to first pageJapanese Proverbs in Philosophy
Showing 97-114 of 114 entries // Page 3 of 3
意味深長
imi shinchouWords or actions that carry a hidden, profound, or suggestive meaning beyond the surface.
田舎の学問より京の昼寝
inaka no gakumon yori kyo no hiruneBeing in a center of culture and knowledge provides more growth than isolated study.
因果応報
inga ohoGood deeds bring good results, and bad deeds bring bad results.
殷鑑遠からず
in kan tookarazuExamples of failure that serve as warnings are not found only in ancient history but are close at hand.
命は天に在り
inochi wa ten ni ariHuman life and longevity are determined by fate or a higher power beyond human control.
命あっての物種
inochi atte no mono daneEverything is possible only as long as you are alive, so life must be protected above all else.
命長ければ恥多し
inochi nagakereba haji ooshiLiving a long life increases the opportunities for experiencing shame and disgrace.
陰徳あれば陽報あり
intoku areba yoho ariDoing good deeds in secret will inevitably lead to a visible reward.
一杯は人酒を飲む、二杯は酒酒を飲む、三杯は酒人を飲む
ippai wa hito sake o nomu, nihai wa sake sake o nomu, sanbai wa sake hito o nomuWhile the first drink is controlled by the person, subsequent drinks lead to a loss of self-control until the alcohol eventually dominates the drinker.
一斑を以って全豹を卜す
ippan o motte zenpyo o bokusuInferring the entire nature or state of something based on a small part.
煎り豆に花
irimame ni hanaRefers to an impossible event occurring or to someone past their prime achieving success again.
以心伝心
ishin denshinUnderstanding each other's thoughts and feelings perfectly without using any words.
苦しい時の神頼み
kurushii toki no kamidanomiTurning to divine help only when in trouble, despite ignoring it at other times.
良薬は口に苦し
ryoyaku wa kuchi ni nigashiSincere advice and constructive criticism may be painful to hear, but they are beneficial for one's self-improvement.
歳月人を待たず
saigetsu hito o matazuTime passes regardless of human circumstances, so one should value every moment and not procrastinate.
知らぬが仏
shiranu ga hotokeRemaining in a state of calm because one is unaware of things that would otherwise cause anger or distress.
灯台下暗し
todai moto kurashiIt is difficult to notice things that are right under your nose or close to you.
病は気から
yamai wa ki karaPhysical illness is influenced by one's state of mind, potentially improving or worsening based on one's attitude.