Tag Archives: 後漢書

Not a problem if you’re Solo?

(Yes, that’s a source text / Star Wars joke.) 党同伐異tou.dou.batsu.i Literally: faction – same – strike / punish – different Alternately: Blind partisanship. Supporting one’s associates and attacking one’s rivals without any regard for what is actually correct or proper. … Continue reading

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

How about when elephants fight?

疾風に勁草を知る (Shippuu ni keisou wo shiru; “In strong wind one learns of the strong grasses”) Definition: It is only after personally encountering hardships or trials that one truly understands the character and value of people who have already withstood those … Continue reading

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

Maybe they should make salmon streamers

鯉の滝登り (Koi no takinobori; “A carp climbing a waterfall”) Definition: Spectacular success in life. A person being as successful in society or career – in “the world” – as a carp that manages to overcome rapids and waterfalls in its … Continue reading

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

What are you, chicken?

They’re known for their careful scheming. 雌伏雄飛 shi.fuku.yuu.hi Literally: female – prostrate – male – fly Alternately: Following someone else while waiting for a chance to strike out on one’s own. Keeping a low profile while preparing for your time … Continue reading

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

Please be true please be true please be true

天知る地知る我知る人知る (Ten shiru chi shiru ware shiru hito shiru; “Heaven knows; earth knows; oneself knows; people know”) Definition: Secrets and crimes will eventually come to light. Even if you think something is completely hidden, the gods of the heavens and … Continue reading

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