Japanese Proverbs About Speech and Communication

Always having a comeback or excuse instead of listening to what someone says.

To seize on someone's minor slip of the tongue or mistake to criticize or tease them.

Hurling a variety of insults and verbal abuse at someone without restraint.

Bad deeds and negative reputations spread rapidly over great distances.

A metaphor for stating something that is completely obvious or self-evident.

Accidentally letting out a single word that leads to a secret being completely revealed.

To ignore opinions or criticism and let them pass without any effect.

A sharp rebuke used to tell someone that there is a limit to their foolish or irresponsible talk.

Flowery language that sounds pleasant but lacks substance or sincerity.

A person of integrity should never go back on their word or change a promise once made.

Remaining silent is sometimes more valuable than speaking eloquently.

Being too reserved and refraining from contact can lead to becoming estranged.

A person who is skilled at speaking is also a person who listens well to others.

To exaggerate a trivial matter into something significant or serious.

To speak frankly and reveal one's true intentions without hiding anything.

It is impossible to stop people from gossiping or spreading rumors.

Adapt your teaching or message to the listener's character and understanding.

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

Every single word or the smallest detail of a statement.

To summarize the entire essence or meaning of something in just one word or phrase.

Describing something in a way that is remarkably apt, clever, or perfectly accurate.

Think calmly and wait until tomorrow before speaking while emotional, to avoid regret.

Many people saying the same thing or being in complete agreement.

Words or actions that carry a hidden, profound, or suggestive meaning beyond the surface.

Stating a fact that is so obvious it does not need to be mentioned.

To be a sore loser and use far-fetched logic or quibbling to cover up a mistake.

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

To be completely unbothered by criticism or attacks.

It is easy to talk about doing something, but carrying it out in practice is difficult.

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

To praise oneself or one's own actions.

To strongly impress one's existence, abilities, or thoughts on others to gain recognition.

Boasting and acting arrogant are foolish behaviors.

To scrutinize trivial details and nitpick over unimportant matters.

Secrets are easily leaked because you never know who might be listening or watching.

To remain completely unfazed and show no reaction no matter what is said or done to you.

Careless words can lead to great misfortune for the speaker.

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