{"id":106705,"date":"2024-01-16T08:49:43","date_gmt":"2024-01-16T13:49:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/learn\/japanese-idioms\/"},"modified":"2025-02-25T08:50:20","modified_gmt":"2025-02-25T13:50:20","slug":"japanese-idioms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/japanese\/japanese-idioms\/","title":{"rendered":"83 Japanese Idioms to Learn About Japanese Culture"},"content":{"rendered":"

Idioms are used so commonly in Japanese, you hear them in everything from casual conversations to news and cultural programs. They may seem like they aren’t important, but they actually give you important insights into Japanese culture, customs and people.<\/p>\n

Let’s get to know 83 Japanese idioms that you might encounter on your Japanese learning journey.<\/p>\n

[fluentu-toc]<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

What Are Japanese Idioms (\u719f\u8a9e)?<\/h2>\n

\u201cIdiom\u201d in Japanese is \u719f\u8a9e (\u3058\u3085\u304f\u3054, jyukugo), which literally means “kanji compound,” or a grouping of kanji to create a simple phrase with deep meaning.<\/p>\n

An idiom is a phrase or expression that conveys a figurative meaning beyond the literal interpretation of its individual words, often rooted in cultural or historical context.<\/p>\n

Idioms are commonly used in language to convey ideas or emotions in a more vivid and imaginative way.<\/p>\n

Japanese Nature and Weather Idioms<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

1. \u660e\u65e5\u306b\u306f\u660e\u65e5\u306e\u98a8\u304c\u5439\u304f<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Hiragana: <\/strong>\u3042\u3059\u306b\u306f\u3042\u3059\u306e\u304b\u305c\u304c\u3075\u304f<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>Tomorrow’s winds will blow tomorrow<\/p>\n

Now, this is a truly beautiful proverb. It’s a hopeful phrase that means “tomorrow is a new day.”<\/p>\n

2. \u96e8\u964d\u3063\u3066\u5730\u56fa\u307e\u308b<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Hiragana: <\/strong>\u3042\u3081\u3075\u3063\u3066\u3058\u304b\u305f\u307e\u308b<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>After rain falls, the ground hardens<\/p>\n

This is yet another beautiful phrase coming straight from nature, with the same idea as in the English, “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”<\/p>\n

3. \u96e8\u304c\u964d\u308d\u3046\u3068\u3001\u69cd\u304c\u964d\u308d\u3046\u3068<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Hiragana: <\/strong>\u3042\u3081\u304c \u3075\u308d\u3046\u3068\u3001\u3084\u308a\u304c\u3075\u308d\u3046\u3068<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>Even if it rains, or if spears fall<\/p>\n

This alarming phrase indicates that even rain or spears falling from the sky can’t stop something. Use the idiom to mean “no matter what happens,” similar to the English phrase “come Hell or high water.”<\/p>\n

4. \u82b1\u9ce5\u98a8\u6708<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u304b\u3061\u3087\u3046\u3075\u3046\u3052\u3064<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>Flower, bird, wind, moon<\/p>\n

Appreciating the beauty of nature<\/a>; the changing seasons and their elements.<\/p>\n

5. \u96f7\u3092\u805e\u304f\u5074\u306e\u795e<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u304b\u307f\u306a\u308a\u3092\u304d\u304f\u304c\u308f\u306e\u304b\u307f<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>The god on the side that hears thunder<\/p>\n

The advantage of being prepared; being on the side that anticipates the changing weather.<\/p>\n

6. \u6728\u3092\u898b\u3066\u68ee\u3092\u898b\u305a<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u304d\u3092\u307f\u3066\u3082\u308a\u3092\u307f\u305a<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>Seeing a tree but not the forest<\/p>\n

Focusing on details and missing the bigger picture.<\/p>\n

7. \u96e8\u5782\u308c\u77f3\u3092\u7a7f\u3064<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u3042\u307e\u3060\u308c\u3044\u3057\u3092\u3046\u304c\u3064<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>Dripping water can pierce a stone<\/p>\n

Consistent effort can overcome even the toughest obstacles.<\/p>\n

8. \u5d50\u306e\u524d\u306e\u9759\u3051\u3055<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u3042\u3089\u3057\u306e\u307e\u3048\u306e\u3057\u305a\u3051\u3055<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>The calm before the storm<\/p>\n

A period of quietness or tension before a significant event.<\/p>\n

9. \u98a8\u524d\u306e\u706f\u706b<\/a><\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u3075\u3046\u305c\u3093\u306e\u3068\u3082\u3057\u3073<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>A lamp in the wind<\/p>\n

A precarious situation; something fragile or unstable.<\/p>\n

10. \u96f7\u3092\u805e\u304f\u306f\u96f7\u3092\u898b\u308b\u306b\u52dd\u308b<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u304b\u307f\u306a\u308a\u3092\u304d\u304f\u306f\u304b\u307f\u306a\u308a\u3092\u307f\u308b\u306b\u307e\u3055\u308b<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>Hearing thunder is better than seeing it<\/p>\n

This means it’s better to anticipate trouble than to experience it directly.<\/p>\n

Japanese Idioms About Animals<\/h2>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

11. \u72f8\u5bdd\u5165\u308a<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u305f\u306c\u304d\u306d\u3044\u308a<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>A raccoon dog pretending to be asleep<\/p>\n

Pretending to be unaware or feigning ignorance, similar to a raccoon dog playing possum.<\/p>\n

12. \u84fc\u98df\u3046\u866b\u3082\u597d\u304d\u597d\u304d<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u305f\u3067\u304f\u3046\u3080\u3057\u3082\u3059\u304d\u305a\u304d<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>Even a bug eating knotweed has its own taste preferences<\/p>\n

Beauty is subjective; everyone has their own preferences.<\/p>\n

13. \u733f\u3082\u6728\u304b\u3089\u843d\u3061\u308b\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Hiragana: <\/strong>\u3055\u308b\u3082\u304d\u304b\u3089\u304a\u3061\u308b<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>Even monkeys fall out of trees<\/p>\n

We all make mistakes! Comfort your Japanese friends after a blunder by saying this cute phrase.<\/p>\n

14. \u660e\u65e5\u306e\u3053\u3068\u3092\u8a00\u3046\u3068\u5929\u4e95\u306e\u30cd\u30ba\u30df\u304c\u7b11\u3046<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Hiragana: <\/strong>\u3042\u3059\u306e\u3053\u3068\u3092\u3044\u3046\u3068\u3066\u3093\u3058\u3087\u3046\u306e\u306d\u305a\u307f\u304c\u308f\u3089\u3046<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>If you speak of tomorrow, the rats in the ceiling will laugh<\/p>\n

This is one of the less concise idioms in Japanese, being a quite convoluted way to express a universal truth: The future is unpredictable. This is similar to the English saying, “we make our plans, and God laughs.”<\/p>\n

15. \u864e\u7a74\u306b\u5165\u3089\u305a\u3093\u3070\u864e\u5b50\u3092\u5f97\u305a<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Hiragana: <\/strong>\u3053\u3051\u3064\u306b\u3044\u3089\u305a\u3093\u3070\u3053\u3058\u3092\u3048\u305a<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>If you don’t enter the tiger’s cave, you can’t catch its cub<\/p>\n

This has to be one of my favorites. It expresses the same sentiment as “nothing ventured, nothing gained” in English, but literally translates as a perilous adventure with tigers and cubs\u2014which I think paints a great picture of both the risk and the reward.<\/p>\n

16. \u4e95\u306e\u4e2d\u306e\u86d9\u5927\u6d77\u3092\u77e5\u3089\u305a<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Hiragana: <\/strong>\u3044\u306e\u306a\u304b\u306e\u304b\u308f\u305a\u305f\u3044\u304b\u3044\u3092\u3057\u3089\u305a<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>A frog in a well does not know the great sea<\/p>\n

This is a wonderful way to express the idea of a person who’s satisfied to judge everything by their own narrow experience, remaining ignorant of the wide world outside.<\/p>\n

17. \u6708\u3068\u3059\u3063\u307d\u3093<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Hiragana: <\/strong>\u3064\u304d\u3068\u3059\u3063\u307d\u3093<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>The moon and a soft-shell turtle<\/p>\n

While Americans compare apples to oranges, Japanese speakers compare the moon and a turtle. However, while apples and oranges are more or less on equal footing, the moon is the clearly superior option. So this phrase is used to compare two very different things, where one option is clearly the better option.<\/p>\n

18. \u732b\u306b\u5c0f\u5224<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Hiragana: <\/strong>\u306d\u3053\u306b\u3053\u3070\u3093<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>Like gold coins to a cat<\/p>\n

This is like the English “casting pearls before swine,” but with cats and gold, instead. It’s used to express the folly of wasting resources, beauty or quality on somebody who doesn’t appreciate it.<\/p>\n

19. \u732b\u3082\u6753\u5b50\u3082<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Hiragana: <\/strong>\u306d\u3053\u3082\u3057\u3083\u304f\u3057\u3082<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>Even cats and rice ladles<\/p>\n

This odd combination of items is used to indicate anyone and everyone, or suggest the idea of a whole lot of people. Similar phrases in English are “every Tom, Dick and Harry,” or “everybody and their mother.”<\/p>\n

20. \u3054\u307e\u3081\u306e\u6b6f\u304e\u3057\u308a<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Hiragana: <\/strong>\u3054\u307e\u3081\u306e\u306f\u304e\u3057\u308a<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>Little fish grinding their teeth<\/p>\n

The thought of little fish grinding their teeth doesn’t exactly instill terror in a person. This idiom means that something is trivial or of no consequence, producing no effect. The phrase is often used to refer to a small person going up against a larger force, like a powerful corporation\u2014no matter how much you yell, it’s likely to have little to no effect.<\/p>\n

21. \u30a4\u30bf\u30c1\u306e\u6700\u5f8c\u3063\u5c41<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Hiragana: <\/strong>\u3044\u305f\u3061\u306e\u3055\u3044\u3054\u3063\u307a<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>A weasel\u2019s last fart<\/p>\n

When you’re cornered and out of options, you may have to rely on the weasel’s last fart. This is your last ditch effort to do something in a desperate situation.<\/p>\n

22. \u732b\u306e\u624b\u3082\u501f\u308a\u305f\u3044<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u306d\u3053\u306e\u3066\u3082\u304b\u308a\u305f\u3044<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>Even want to borrow a cat’s paw<\/p>\n

Desperate for help; in a difficult situation and willing to accept assistance from anyone.<\/p>\n

23. \u99ac\u8033\u6771\u98a8<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u3070\u3058\u3068\u3046\u3075\u3046<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>Horse’s ears facing the east wind<\/p>\n

Ignoring advice or criticism; being indifferent to what others say.<\/p>\n

24. \u72d0\u306e\u5ac1\u5165\u308a<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u304d\u3064\u306d\u306e\u3088\u3081\u3044\u308a<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>Fox’s wedding<\/p>\n

Sunshower; rain while the sun is shining, believed to be when foxes get married.<\/p>\n

25. \u4e80\u306e\u7532\u3088\u308a\u5e74\u306e\u529f<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u304b\u3081\u306e\u3053\u3046\u3088\u308a\u3068\u3057\u306e\u3053\u3046<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>More valuable than a turtle’s shell, the experience of age<\/p>\n

The wisdom and experience gained with age are more valuable than youth.<\/p>\n

26. \u9ce5\u304c\u9cf4\u304b\u306a\u3044\u3068\u5c71\u304c\u52d5\u304b\u306a\u3044<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u3068\u308a\u304c\u306a\u304b\u306a\u3044\u3068\u3084\u307e\u304c\u3046\u3054\u304b\u306a\u3044<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>If a bird doesn’t sing, the mountain won’t move<\/p>\n

Encouraging others to speak up or take action to initiate change.<\/p>\n

27. \u732b\u820c<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u306d\u3053\u3058\u305f<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>Cat’s tongue<\/p>\n

Someone who is sensitive to hot or cold food; having a picky palate.<\/p>\n

28. \u72ac\u3082\u6b69\u3051\u3070\u68d2\u306b\u5f53\u305f\u308b<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u3044\u306c\u3082\u3042\u308b\u3051\u3070\u307c\u3046\u306b\u3042\u305f\u308b<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>Even a dog may be hit by a stick if it keeps on walking<\/p>\n

In life, one may encounter unexpected challenges or troubles.<\/p>\n

29. \u86d9\u306e\u5b50\u306f\u86d9<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u304b\u308f\u305a\u306e\u3053\u306f\u304b\u308f\u305a<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>A frog’s offspring is a frog<\/p>\n

Like father, like son; children inherit traits from their parents.<\/p>\n

30. \u732b\u306e\u984d<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u306d\u3053\u306e\u3072\u305f\u3044<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>A cat’s forehead<\/p>\n

A very small space; a tiny area.<\/p>\n

31. \u86c7\u306e\u9053\u306f\u86c7<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u3078\u3073\u306e\u307f\u3061\u306f\u3078\u3073<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>A snake’s path is made by a snake<\/p>\n

Experts are best suited for a particular task or situation.<\/p>\n

32. \u7345\u5b50\u8eab\u4e2d\u306e\u866b<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u3057\u3057\u3057\u3093\u3061\u3085\u3046\u306e\u3080\u3057<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>A bug inside a lion’s body<\/p>\n

A seemingly formidable person or organization with a hidden weakness.<\/p>\n

33. \u72fc\u5c11\u5e74<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u304a\u304a\u304b\u307f\u3057\u3087\u3046\u306d\u3093<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>Wolf boy<\/p>\n

A young boy who behaves like a troublemaker or delinquent.<\/p>\n

Japanese Idioms About People, Emotions and Feelings<\/h2>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

34. \u5929\u4e0b\u308a<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Hiragana: <\/strong>\u3042\u307e\u304f\u3060\u308a<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>To command or dictate, or to descend from Heaven<\/p>\n

There’s a practice in Japan so common that it has its own idiomatic name, where bureaucrats are often able to find high-ranking jobs in private firms after retirement. In a way, they’re descending from the heavens to grace us mere mortals with their presence.<\/p>\n

35. \u51fa\u308b\u676d\u306f\u6253\u305f\u308c\u308b<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Hiragana: <\/strong>\u3067\u308b\u304f\u3044\u306f\u3046\u305f\u308c\u308b<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>The nail that sticks up will be hammered down<\/p>\n

The most commonly-known idiom outside of Japan is probably this one, which means that by standing out, you invite criticism.<\/p>\n

36. \u99ac\u9e7f\u306f\u6b7b\u306a\u306a\u304d\u3083\u6cbb\u3089\u306a\u3044<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Hiragana: <\/strong>\u3070\u304b\u306f\u3057\u306a\u306a\u304d\u3083\u306a\u304a\u3089\u306a\u3044<\/p>\n

Translation:<\/strong> Only death can cure an idiot<\/p>\n

Ignorance can’t be cured, according to this idiom. Once an idiot, always an idiot.<\/p>\n

37. \u4e00\u671f\u4e00\u4f1a<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u3044\u3061\u3054\u3044\u3061\u3048<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>One opportunity, one encounter<\/p>\n

Appreciate every meeting as a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.<\/p>\n

38. \u77f3\u306e\u5fc3\u3092\u6301\u3066<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u3044\u3057\u306e\u3053\u3053\u308d\u3092\u3082\u3066<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>Have a heart of stone<\/p>\n

Be resilient and emotionally strong; endure hardships without losing composure.<\/p>\n

39. \u53e3\u306f\u707d\u3044\u306e\u5143\u00a0<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u304f\u3061\u306f\u308f\u3056\u308f\u3044\u306e\u3082\u3068<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>The mouth is the source of calamity<\/p>\n

Be cautious with your words; speaking without thinking can lead to trouble.<\/p>\n

40. \u4eba\u9593\u4e07\u4e8b\u585e\u7fc1\u304c\u99ac<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u306b\u3093\u3052\u3093\u3070\u3093\u3058\u3055\u3044\u304a\u3046\u304c\u3046\u307e<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>Man proposes, God disposes<\/p>\n

The outcome of human affairs is unpredictable; life is full of ups and downs.<\/p>\n

41. \u6d99\u306e\u6cb3\u3092\u6d41\u3059<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u306a\u307f\u3060\u306e\u304b\u308f\u3092\u306a\u304c\u3059<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>Shedding a river of tears<\/p>\n

Expressing intense emotions through tears; crying profusely.<\/p>\n

42. \u99ac\u306e\u8033\u306b\u5ff5\u4ecf<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u3046\u307e\u306e\u307f\u307f\u306b\u306d\u3093\u3076\u3064<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>Buddhist prayers in a horse’s ear<\/p>\n

Offering advice or wisdom to someone who is not interested or receptive.<\/p>\n

43. \u604b\u306f\u76f2\u76ee<\/h3>\n

Hiragana<\/strong>: \u3053\u3044\u306f\u3082\u3046\u3082\u304f<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>Love is blind<\/p>\n

Love can make people overlook flaws or imperfections.<\/p>\n

44. \u4e8c\u5ea6\u3042\u308b\u3053\u3068\u306f\u4e09\u5ea6\u3042\u308b<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u306b\u3069\u3042\u308b\u3053\u3068\u306f\u3055\u3093\u3069\u3042\u308b<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>What happens twice will happen three times<\/p>\n

If something happens more than once, it’s likely to happen again.<\/p>\n

45. \u4e03\u8ee2\u3073\u516b\u8d77\u304d<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u306a\u306a\u3053\u308d\u3073\u3084\u304a\u304d<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>Fall seven times, get up eight<\/p>\n

Persevere in the face of challenges; resilience and determination.<\/p>\n

Japanese Idioms About Work and Business<\/h2>\n

\"Two<\/p>\n

46. \u9d8f\u53e3\u3068\u306a\u308b\u3082\u725b\u5f8c\u3068\u306a\u308b\u306a\u304b\u308c<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u3051\u3044\u3053\u3046\u3068\u306a\u308b\u3082\u304e\u3085\u3046\u3054\u3068\u306a\u308b\u306a\u304b\u308c<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>Rather be a chicken’s beak than an ox’s tail<\/p>\n

It’s better to be a leader in a small group than a follower in a large one.<\/p>\n

47. \u8239\u982d\u591a\u304f\u3057\u3066\u8239\u5c71\u306b\u767b\u308b<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u305b\u3093\u3069\u3046\u304a\u304a\u304f\u3057\u3066\u3075\u306d\u3084\u307e\u306b\u306e\u307c\u308b<\/p>\n

Translation:<\/strong> Too many boatmen will make the boat climb a mountain<\/p>\n

Too many leaders can lead to chaos; a situation where there are too many chiefs and not enough Indians.<\/p>\n

48. \u521d\u5fc3\u5fd8\u308b\u3079\u304b\u3089\u305a<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u3057\u3087\u3057\u3093\u308f\u3059\u308b\u3079\u304b\u3089\u305a<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>Do not forget the initial resolution<\/p>\n

Stay true to your initial goals and intentions, especially in work.<\/p>\n

49. \u4e0a\u306b\u306f\u4e0a\u304c\u3044\u308b<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u3046\u3048\u306b\u306f\u3046\u3048\u304c\u3044\u308b<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>There is always someone above you<\/p>\n

There is always someone more skilled or experienced; there is no end to improvement.<\/p>\n

50. \u8eca\u306e\u8eca\u8f2a\u3001\u8239\u306e\u8239\u9996<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u304f\u308b\u307e\u306e\u3057\u3083\u308a\u3093\u3001\u3075\u306d\u306e\u305b\u3093\u3057\u3085<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>Wheels for cars, bows for ships<\/p>\n

Each tool has its own purpose; choosing the right tool for the right job.<\/p>\n

51. \u706b\u306e\u306a\u3044\u3068\u3053\u308d\u306b\u7159\u306f\u7acb\u305f\u306c<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u3072\u306e\u306a\u3044\u3068\u3053\u308d\u306b\u3051\u3080\u308a\u306f\u305f\u305f\u306c<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>Smoke doesn’t rise without fire<\/p>\n

There’s usually some truth behind rumors or suspicions in the workplace.<\/p>\n

52. \u6cb3\u7ae5\u306e\u5ddd\u6d41\u308c<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u304b\u3063\u3071\u306e\u304b\u308f\u306a\u304c\u308c<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>Kappa’s river washed away<\/p>\n

Even experts or skilled individuals can fail or make mistakes. Kappa is a “river-child” from Japanese folklore.<\/p>\n

53. \u9bc9\u306e\u6edd\u767b\u308a<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u3053\u3044\u306e\u305f\u304d\u306e\u307c\u308a<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>A carp climbing a waterfall<\/p>\n

Achieving something thought to be impossible; overcoming great challenges at work.<\/p>\n

54. \u4e09\u4eba\u5bc4\u308c\u3070\u6587\u6b8a\u306e\u77e5\u6075<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u3055\u3093\u306b\u3093\u3088\u308c\u3070\u3082\u3093\u3058\u3085\u306e\u3061\u3048<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>When three people gather, they bring the wisdom of Manjusri<\/p>\n

Since Manjusri is a Buddhist figure known for wisdom, this idiom means collective wisdom, or when people collaborate, valuable insights emerge.<\/p>\n

Japanese Idioms About Food and Eating<\/h2>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

55. \u82b1\u3088\u308a\u56e3\u5b50<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u306f\u306a\u3088\u308a\u3060\u3093\u3054<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>Dumplings over flowers<\/p>\n

Practicality is more important than aesthetics; substance over style, even in food.<\/p>\n

56. \u7bb8\u306b\u3082\u68d2\u306b\u3082\u304b\u304b\u3089\u306a\u3044<\/h3>\n

Hiragana<\/strong>: \u306f\u3057\u306b\u3082\u307c\u3046\u306b\u3082\u304b\u304b\u3089\u306a\u3044<\/p>\n

Translation: <\/strong>Can’t be picked up with chopsticks or with a stick<\/p>\n

Something unmanageable or difficult to deal with; a challenging situation.<\/p>\n

57. \u9c3b\u306e\u5bdd\u5e8a<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u3046\u306a\u304e\u306e\u306d\u3069\u3053<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>An eel’s bed<\/p>\n

A cozy or comfortable place; a bed as soft as an eel’s.<\/p>\n

58. \u7c73\u306e\u708a\u304d\u65b9\u3092\u77e5\u3089\u306a\u3044<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u3053\u3081\u306e\u305f\u304d\u304b\u305f\u3092\u3057\u3089\u306a\u3044<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>Don’t know how to cook rice<\/p>\n

Lacking basic skills or knowledge; not knowing something fundamental.<\/p>\n

59. \u5c71\u306e\u3088\u3046\u306a\u98df\u3079\u7269<\/h3>\n

Hiragana<\/strong>: \u3084\u307e\u306e\u3088\u3046\u306a\u305f\u3079\u3082\u306e<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>A mountain-like amount of food<\/p>\n

An overwhelming quantity of food; more than one can handle.<\/p>\n

60. \u5929\u306b\u3082\u6607\u308b\u6c17\u6301\u3061<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u3066\u3093\u306b\u3082\u306e\u307c\u308b\u304d\u3082\u3061<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>Feeling like ascending to heaven<\/p>\n

An extremely delicious taste; a heavenly culinary experience.<\/p>\n

61. \u9c3b\u306e\u767d\u713c\u304d<\/h3>\n

Hiragana<\/strong>: \u3046\u306a\u304e\u306e\u3057\u3089\u3084\u304d<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>Grilled eel without sauce<\/p>\n

Something incomplete or missing an essential element.<\/p>\n

62. \u4e00\u6c41\u4e00\u83dc<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u3044\u3061\u3058\u3085\u3046\u3044\u3063\u3055\u3044<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>One soup, one side dish<\/p>\n

A simple and modest meal; a frugal approach to eating.<\/p>\n

63. \u8c5a\u306b\u771f\u73e0<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u3076\u305f\u306b\u3057\u3093\u3058\u3085<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>Pearls to a pig<\/p>\n

Offering something valuable to someone who cannot appreciate or understand its worth.<\/p>\n

64. \u8089\u3092\u98df\u3048\u3070\u8089\u3092\u98df\u308f\u308c\u308b<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u306b\u304f\u3092\u304f\u3048\u3070\u306b\u304f\u3092\u304f\u308f\u308c\u308b<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>If you eat meat, you’ll be eaten by meat<\/p>\n

Engaging in a competitive environment; survival of the fittest.<\/p>\n

65. \u820c\u5148\u4e09\u5bf8<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u3057\u305f\u3055\u304d\u3055\u3093\u3059\u3093<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>A three-inch tongue<\/p>\n

Speaking diplomatically or tactfully; choosing words carefully.<\/p>\n

66. \u6d77\u8001\u3067\u9bdb\u3092\u91e3\u308b<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u3048\u3073\u3067\u305f\u3044\u3092\u3064\u308b<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>Catching a sea bream with a shrimp<\/p>\n

Achieving something great with minimal resources or effort; an unexpected success.<\/p>\n

Japanese Idioms About Travel and Journeys<\/h2>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

67. \u77f3\u306e\u4e0a\u306b\u3082\u4e09\u5e74<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u3044\u3057\u306e\u3046\u3048\u306b\u3082\u3055\u3093\u306d\u3093<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>Three years on a rock<\/p>\n

Patience and perseverance lead to success, even in a journey.<\/p>\n

68. \u5343\u91cc\u306e\u9053\u3082\u4e00\u6b69\u304b\u3089<\/h3>\n

Hiragana<\/strong>: \u305b\u3093\u308a\u306e\u307f\u3061\u3082\u3044\u3063\u307d\u304b\u3089<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step<\/p>\n

To achieve a grand goal, start with a small and simple step.<\/p>\n

69. \u76ee\u306e\u524d\u306e\u8349\u3057\u304b\u898b\u3048\u306a\u3044<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u3081\u306e\u307e\u3048\u306e\u304f\u3055\u3057\u304b\u307f\u3048\u306a\u3044<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>Can only see the grass in front of one’s eyes<\/p>\n

Unable to see beyond immediate concerns; lacking a broader perspective.<\/p>\n

70. \u99ac\u5b50\u306b\u3082\u8863\u88c5<\/h3>\n

Hiragana<\/strong>: \u307e\u3054\u306b\u3082\u3044\u3057\u3087\u3046<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>Even a horseman wears a coat<\/p>\n

Everyone, regardless of status, needs appropriate attire for a journey.<\/p>\n

71. \u77f3\u6a4b\u3092\u53e9\u3044\u3066\u6e21\u308b<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u3044\u3057\u3070\u3057\u3092\u305f\u305f\u3044\u3066\u308f\u305f\u308b<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>Hitting a stone bridge before crossing it<\/p>\n

Being cautious and preparing for challenges before facing them during a journey.<\/p>\n

72. \u4e00\u671f\u4e00\u4f1a<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u3044\u3061\u3054\u3044\u3061\u3048<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>One opportunity, one encounter<\/p>\n

Appreciate every meeting during a journey as a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.<\/p>\n

73. \u8239\u982d\u591a\u304f\u3057\u3066\u8239\u5c71\u306b\u767b\u308b<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u305b\u3093\u3069\u3046\u304a\u304a\u304f\u3057\u3066\u3075\u306d\u3084\u307e\u306b\u306e\u307c\u308b<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>Too many boatmen will make the boat climb a mountain<\/p>\n

This means that too many leaders, or opinions, can lead to chaos during a journey.<\/p>\n

74. \u508d\u76ee\u516b\u76ee<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u304a\u304b\u3081\u306f\u3061\u3082\u304f<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>Onlookers see more than players<\/p>\n

Observers may have a clearer view of a situation than those directly involved in a journey.<\/p>\n

75. \u873b\u86c9\u306e\u5c3e\u3092\u63b4\u3080\u3088\u3046<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u3068\u3093\u307c\u306e\u304a\u3092\u3064\u304b\u3080\u3088\u3046<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>Trying to catch the tail of a dragonfly<\/p>\n

Pursuing something elusive or difficult to attain during a journey.<\/p>\n

Japanese Idioms About Culture and Customs<\/h2>\n

\"Two<\/p>\n

76. \u9b5a\u5fc3\u3042\u308c\u3070\u6c34\u5fc3<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u3046\u304a\u3054\u3053\u308d\u3042\u308c\u3070\u307f\u305a\u3054\u3053\u308d<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>If the fish loves, the water loves<\/p>\n

Reciprocity in relationships; if one shows kindness, it will be returned.<\/p>\n

77. \u5341\u4eba\u5341\u8272<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u3058\u3085\u3046\u306b\u3093\u3068\u3044\u308d<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>Ten people, ten colors<\/p>\n

Everyone is unique; people have their own individuality and preferences in culture and customs.<\/p>\n

78. \u77e5\u3089\u306c\u304c\u4ecf<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u3057\u3089\u306c\u304c\u307b\u3068\u3051<\/p>\n

Translation: <\/strong>Ignorance is bliss<\/p>\n

Sometimes, it’s better not to be aware of certain things.<\/p>\n

79. \u76ee\u306e\u6575\u306b\u3059\u308b<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u3081\u306e\u304b\u305f\u304d\u306b\u3059\u308b<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>To make someone an enemy in one’s eyes<\/p>\n

Holding a grudge; considering someone an enemy based on cultural differences.<\/p>\n

80. \u85ea\u304b\u3089\u68d2<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u3084\u3076\u304b\u3089\u307c\u3046<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>A stick from the bushes<\/p>\n

Revealing an unexpected truth; discovering the hidden aspects of culture.<\/p>\n

81. \u5929\u306f\u81ea\u3089\u52a9\u304f\u308b\u8005\u3092\u52a9\u304f<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u3066\u3093\u306f\u307f\u305a\u304b\u3089\u305f\u3059\u304f\u308b\u3082\u306e\u3092\u305f\u3059\u304f<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>Heaven helps those who help themselves<\/p>\n

Taking initiative leads to support and success.<\/p>\n

82. \u8986\u6c34\u76c6\u306b\u8fd4\u3089\u305a<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u3075\u304f\u3059\u3044\u307c\u3093\u306b\u304b\u3048\u3089\u305a<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>Spilt water cannot be scooped back<\/p>\n

What is done is done; some things cannot be undone.<\/p>\n

83. \u79cb\u306e\u866b\u00a0<\/h3>\n

Hiragana:<\/strong> \u3042\u304d\u306e\u3080\u3057<\/p>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>Autumn insect<\/p>\n

Someone who excels in a particular field.<\/p>\n

You can find many of these Japanese idioms in context in the video library of FluentU.<\/p>\n

FluentU<\/strong> takes authentic videos\u2014like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks\u2014and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.<\/p>\r\n

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