Japanese Proverbs About Human Nature

An expression used to describe something so outrageous, absurd, or inexcusable that it cannot be put into words.

Preferring practical utility and substance over aesthetic beauty or appearance

To harbor a hidden agenda or secret scheme in one's heart.

A rumor cannot exist without some underlying truth or cause.

To curry favor with or flatter a superior.

A person's true character or ability cannot be judged by their outward appearance alone.

A person's true character and the sincerity of their relationships are revealed when they face a decline in fortune.

True character and quality can only be understood through direct personal experience.

Using someone else's resources, power, or efforts for one's own personal gain.

Observe the actions of others and use them as a guide to improve or correct your own behavior.

Rumors and gossip are naturally forgotten by the public as time passes.

The natural human tendency to sympathize with or support the underdog or the defeated.

Seeing someone you love as more exceptional or attractive than they truly are.

Even the most patient person will eventually lose their temper if provoked repeatedly.

Deep affection nurtured over many years can vanish in a single moment due to a small, disappointing event.

Describes something slippery and difficult to grasp, or a person who is evasive and elusive.

Refers to someone who is narrow-minded or lacks perspective because they only know their own small world.

A child's true devotion and character are revealed during times of family hardship and poverty.

Obediently following others' orders or wishes without any resistance.

To be filled with uncontrollable, intense rage.

Every single movement or behavior.

Refers to every single movement or action a person takes, no matter how minor.

Polite behavior or language that is so excessive or insincere that it becomes insulting or offensive.

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.

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

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

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.

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

Even the greatest experts can make mistakes.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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