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Japanese Proverbs About Social Relationships

Japanese proverbs about relationships cover trust, obligation, distance, conflict, and the ways people affect one another. This selection helps readers understand the social side of a saying before using it.

Page 3 of 3 lists entries 97-114. Start from the first page to see this list from the beginning.

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Japanese Proverbs: Social Relationships

Showing 97-114 of 114 entries // Page 3 of 3

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以心伝心

ishin denshin

Understanding each other's thoughts and feelings perfectly without using any words.

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居候の三杯目

isourou no sanbaime

Someone who is dependent on the hospitality of others must be reserved and careful not to overstep their bounds.

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居候三杯目にはそっと出し

isourou sanbaime ni wa sotto dashi

Those who are supported by others should maintain a humble attitude and show restraint in their requests.

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一心同体

isshin dotai

Two or more people acting in perfect harmony as if they were a single person.

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いたちの道切り

itachi no michi kiri

To completely lose touch with someone or break off an association.

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糸の切れた凧

ito no kireta tako

To wander aimlessly or lose one's direction in life.

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言わぬが花

iwanu ga hana

Some things are better left unsaid, as silence can be more tasteful and prevent unnecessary trouble.

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地獄で仏に会う

jigoku de hotoke ni au

Receiving unexpected help and feeling great joy when in a desperate situation.

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自家薬籠中の物

jika yakurochu no mono

Something or someone that one can use freely and masterfully as if it were their own.

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人生意気に感ず

jinsei iki ni kanzu

People are moved to act by the sincerity and passion of others.

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十人十色

juunin toiro

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

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飼い犬に手を噛まれる

kaiinu ni te o kamareru

To be unexpectedly betrayed or harmed by a subordinate or someone you have nurtured and treated with care.

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子はかすがい

ko wa kasugai

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

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情けは人のためならず

nasake wa hito no tame narazu

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

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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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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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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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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.