Category Archives: Kotowaza

Try walking a mile in *these* shoes!

Posted on March 8, 2015 by Confanity

金の草鞋で探す (Kane no waraji de sagasu; “Seek with iron sandals”) Definition: Searching for something tirelessly. Patiently looking everywhere. Normal straw sandals break down with use, but iron sandals will endure – as will the person whose search is described with … Continue reading →

Posted in Japanese, Kotowaza | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

No spoonfuls of sugar for you today

Posted on March 1, 2015 by Confanity

忠言耳に逆らう (Chuugen mimi ni sakarau; “Good advice hurts your ears”) Definition: When someone is truly trying to help you, they acknowledge your faults and failings and give you good advice based on that honest assessment. But it can be hard … Continue reading →

Posted in Japanese, Kotowaza | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Literally half the plot of the Tale of Genji

Posted on February 22, 2015 by Confanity

壁に耳あり障子に目あり (Kabe ni mimi ari shouji ni me ari; “The walls have ears, the doors have eyes”) Definition: If you’re talking about something that you want to keep secret for any reason, be careful. Keep in mind how much of … Continue reading →

Posted in Japanese, Kotowaza | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

On achieving clarity

Posted on February 15, 2015 by Confanity

Here’s our fortieth kotowaza: 四十にして惑わず (Shijuu ni shite madowazu; “At forty, no doubts”) Definition: This extremely optimistic saying asserts that by the time you reach forty years old, your ability to reason is well-developed, your studies have given you a … Continue reading →

Posted in Japanese, Kotowaza | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Emeralds to a sea cucumber. Platinum to a moose.

Posted on February 8, 2015 by Confanity

猫に小判 (Neko ni koban; “Gold coins to a cat”) Definition: Casting pearls before swine. No matter how valuable or useful something is, if you give it to someone who doesn’t understand its worth or use, then it won’t do them … Continue reading →

Posted in Japanese, Kotowaza | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Precocity!

Posted on February 1, 2015 by Confanity

栴檀は双葉より芳し (Sendan wa futaba yori kanbashi; “The sandalwood tree is fragrant from when it’s a sprout”) Definition: Genius shows even in childhood. Just as the wood of the sandalwood tree smells nice even when it is just a sapling, so … Continue reading →

Posted in Japanese, Kotowaza | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Maslow would agree

Posted on January 25, 2015 by Confanity

Here’s another famous one: 花より団子 (Hana yori dango; “Dumplings before flowers”) Definition: People value things that address their concrete needs over more abstract, artistic considerations. It is better for something to be profitable or beneficial than merely pleasing. Substance is … Continue reading →

Posted in Japanese, Kotowaza | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

For when you just have to say “At least it wasn’t….”

Posted on January 18, 2015 by Confanity

不幸中の幸い (Fukouchuu no saiwai; “Happiness amidst misfortune.”) Definition: A cloud’s silver lining. A small consolation in hard times or sadness. A small mercy that things weren’t worse. Breakdown: This kotowaza is simply a noun phrase. 幸い (saiwai) is a noun … Continue reading →

Posted in Japanese, Kotowaza | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Beasts at the gates!

Posted on January 11, 2015 by Confanity

前門の虎後門の狼 (Zenmon no tora koumon no ookami; “A tiger at the front gate, a wolf at the rear”) Definition: “Out of the frying pan, into the fire.” While you were driving away a tiger at the front gate, a wolf … Continue reading →

Posted in Japanese, Kotowaza | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Now!

Posted on January 4, 2015 by Confanity

善は急げ (Zen wa isoge; “Hurry to do good”) Definition: “Strike while the iron is hot.” Specifically, if you think of something that would be good to do, something worth doing, something worthy – do it now. Don’t wait. Don’t procrastinate. … Continue reading →

Posted in Japanese, Kotowaza | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments