Category Archives: Japanese

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 →

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

If you die in a dream, do you wake up?

Posted on April 13, 2016 by Confanity

酔生夢死 sui.sei.mu.shi Literally: drunk – life – dream – death Alternately: Idling one’s life away. Wasting one’s life. Living as if drunk; dying as if in a dream. Notes: Apparently some people write the homophone 無死 instead of 夢死. This … Continue reading →

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

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 →

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

You get what you do, so do wisely!

Posted on April 6, 2016 by Confanity

自業自得 ji.gou.ji.toku Literally: self – business / performance – self – get Alternately: You reap what you sow. When you act, you will get results according to your actions. This is generally used in negative situations, to point out that … Continue reading →

Posted in Japanese, Yojijukugo | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

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 →

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

Purple mountain majesties + brightly-shining streams

Posted on March 30, 2016 by Confanity

山紫水明 san.shi.sui.mei Literally: mountain – purple – water – bright Alternately: The purple color of mountains reflecting sunlight and the clarity of (mountain) streams or lakes. This phrase suggests the purity and beauty of natural landscapes in general. “Nature is … Continue reading →

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

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 →

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

Gori in the mist

Posted on March 23, 2016 by Confanity

(Title cf.) 五里霧中 go.ri.mu.chuu Literally: five – ri – fog/mist – middle Alternately: Completely lost. Unable to grasp the current situation, and therefore unable to foresee what may come or lay out any sort of meaningful plan. Notes: The ri … Continue reading →

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

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 →

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

Do what I say, say what I do

Posted on March 16, 2016 by Confanity

An elephant’s faithful, one hundred percent! 言行一致 gen.kou.i-.cchi Literally: speak – go/act – one – do Alternately: One’s words and actions are in accord. Doing what one says. Walking the walk as well as talking the talk. The opposite of … Continue reading →

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