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Tag Archives: Book of the Later Han
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 adversity, Book of the Later Han, 疾風, hidden strength, true value, wind, 勁草, 後漢書
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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 Book of the Later Han, carp, 鯉のぼり, 黄河, Golden Week, success, 後漢書, 滝登り
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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 biding one's time, Book of the Later Han, chickens, 雄飛, 雌伏, waiting, 後漢書
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If you want to get away from it all but hate cabbages
羊裘垂釣 you.kyuu.sui.chou Literally: sheep – [clothing made of animal skin and/or fur] – dangle – fishing Alternately: To avoid the vulgar world of common society and live as a hermit. To live wearing animal skins and fish in streams for … Continue reading
Posted in Japanese, Yojijukugo
Tagged Book of the Later Han, 羊裘, fishing, hermit, sheepskin, 垂釣
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Tiger ventured, tiger gained?
虎穴に入らずんば虎子を得ず (Koketsu ni irazumba koji wo ezu; “If you don’t go into a tiger’s lair you won’t get a tiger cub.”) Definition: Nothing ventured, nothing gained. You won’t succeed at anything special if you’re not willing to stick your neck … Continue reading
Posted in Japanese, Kotowaza
Tagged Book of the Later Han, classical grammar, 虎穴, 虎子, nothing gained, nothing ventured, tiger cub, tiger den, 入らずんば
3 Comments