Category Archives: Kotowaza

Refusing to bite the hand that feeds you bait

Posted on May 1, 2016 by Confanity

その手は桑名の焼き蛤 (Sono te wa Kuwana no yaki-hamaguri; “That trick won’t work!”) Definition: This one is a pun! It has a serious meaning, saying that someone’s strategy or trickery (often verbal) isn’t going to succeed (usually against the speaker). But where … Continue reading →

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Even a blog of a thousand posts begins with a single keystroke

Posted on April 24, 2016 by Confanity

千里の道も一歩より (Senri no michi mo ippo yori; “Even a road of a thousand ri, from one step.”) Definition: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Even the most daunting undertakings begin with a simple action – … Continue reading →

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Clowns to the left of me; jokers to the right

Posted on April 17, 2016 by Confanity

過ぎたるは猶及ばざるが如し (Sugitaru wa nao oyobazaru ga gotoshi; “Too much is the same as not enough.”) Definition: Overdoing something is ultimately the same as not doing it enough. For most human endeavors there is a happy medium range, and going beyond … Continue reading →

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A stance askance

Posted on April 10, 2016 by Confanity

斜に構える (Sha ni kamaeru; “take a diagonal stance”) Definition: To behave as if the situation isn’t serious; to adopt a (mockingly) aloof attitude, especially toward an opponent or problem. To view things in an ironic or cynical light. Breakdown: Technically … Continue reading →

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Just the right number of cooks?

Posted on April 3, 2016 by Confanity

三人寄れば文殊の知恵 (Sannin yoreba Monju no chie; “If three people gather, the wisdom of Manjusri”) Definition: Two (or more!) heads are better than one. When ordinary people consider an issue together as a group, they can produce more great ideas than … Continue reading →

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I never look back, darling

Posted on March 27, 2016 by Confanity

It distracts from the now. 後悔先に立たず (Koukai saki ni tatazu; “Don’t put regret in front.”) Definition: An admonition: Don’t regret things that are over and done. Don’t spend time ruing something that can no longer be changed. “Don’t cry over spilled milk.” … Continue reading →

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Juggling for a rainy day

Posted on March 20, 2016 by Confanity

芸は身を助く (Gei wa mi wo tasuku; “An art saves the body”) Definition: Take the time to learn a skill or develop a talent, because the time may come when you’ll need it to make a living. Even hobbies can be … Continue reading →

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If I’ve told you once…

Posted on March 13, 2016 by Confanity

…I’ve told you so many times that life gave me lemons. In my face. 口が酸っぱくなるほど (kuchi ga suppaku naru hodo; “until the mouth turns sour”) Definition: Repeating oneself over and over. Saying the same thing ad nauseum. Often used to … Continue reading →

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Fashion victim, food victim

Posted on March 6, 2016 by Confanity

京の着倒れ、大阪の食い倒れ (Kyou no kidaore, Oosaka no kidaore; “Bankrupted by clothing at the capital; bankrupted by food in Osaka”) Definition: In general, the people of Kyoto have a weakness for fine clothing, while the people of Osaka have a weakness for … Continue reading →

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Go west, young man!

Posted on February 28, 2016 by Confanity

The apple is flung far from the stem? 可愛い子には旅をさせよ (Kawaii ko ni wa tabi wo saseyo; “Send the beloved child on a journey”) Definition: If you love your children, your impulse may be to protect them from harm and hardship … Continue reading →

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