Japanese proverbs


A Japanese proverb may take the form of:
Although "proverb" and "saying" are practically synonymous, the same cannot be said about "idiomatic phrase" and "four-character idiom". Not all kan'yōku and yojijukugo are proverbial. For instance, the kan'yōku 狐の嫁入り kitsune no yomeiri and the yojijukugo 小春日和 koharubiyori are not proverbs. To be considered a proverb, a word or phrase must express a common truth or wisdom; it cannot be a mere noun.

Usage

Japanese commonly use proverbs, often citing just the first part of common phrases for brevity. For example, one might say I no naka no kawazu to refer to the proverb I no naka no kawazu, taikai o shirazu. Whereas proverbs in English are typically multi-worded phrases, Japanese yojijukugo borrows from Chinese and compactly conveys the concept in one word Isseki nichō.
The heavy employment of proverbs enables Japanese language to be concise. Evidence might be found in Japanese animation and manga, but also appears in news and cultural programs, and in much fiction.

Origin

Because traditional Japanese culture was tied to agriculture, many Japanese proverbs are derived from agricultural customs and practices. Some are from the Go game, the tea ceremony, and Buddhism. Many four-character idioms are from Chinese philosophy written in Classical Chinese, in particular "The Analects" by Confucius.
Lists of Japanese proverbs can be found at and.

Examples

Sayings

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