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Tag Archives: classical grammar
An ounce of prevention is worth….
Buy it when prevention is cheap, not when cure is costly 治に居て乱を忘れず (Chi ni ite ran wo wasurezu; “In peace, do not forget strife”) Definition: Even in times of peace and safety, it’s still necessary to plan ahead in case … Continue reading
Posted in Japanese, Kotowaza
Tagged Book of Changes, Chinese literature, classical grammar, preparation, prevention, when times are easy the wise get going, 易経, 易經, 易经
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Sorry, thank you, sorry
No, please, I couldn’t possibly. Sorry. No, no, no. Thank you. Sorry. 礼も過ぎれば無礼になる (Rei mo sugireba burei ni naru;“Even politeness, when overdone, becomes insolence”) Definition: An overabundance of manners and deference becomes rude. Even for something as valuable, and as … Continue reading
Posted in Japanese, Kotowaza
Tagged classical grammar, 無礼, 礼, happy medium, paradox, politeness, rudeness
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Wagahai wa Sam de aru
馬には乗ってみよ人には添うてみよ (Uma ni wa notte miyo hito ni wa soute miyo; “Try riding a horse; try accompanying a person”) Definition: It’s often difficult to understand the true nature of something without experiencing it firsthand, so don’t criticize or judge until … Continue reading
Posted in Japanese, Kotowaza
Tagged classical grammar, experience, 馬には, Judgment, Kefukigusa, unusual problems, 毛吹草, 添うてみよ, 乗ってみよ
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Just avoid immovable objects
…and you’ll be fine. Right? 断じて行えば鬼神も之を避く (Danjite okonaeba kishin mo kore wo saku; “If you do things decisively, even demon-gods will get out of the way”) Definition: If you take decisive action backed by strong determination, there is little that … Continue reading
Posted in Japanese, Kotowaza
Tagged classical grammar, determination, 鬼神, Records of the Grand Historian, willpower, 史記, 断じて
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Don’t work for the man, man
Rarely truer than now すまじきものは宮仕え (Sumajiki mono wa miya-dzukae; “The thing one mustn’t do is serve at court”) Definition: If possible, it’s best not to let yourself be used by other people. It’s best to be your own boss instead … Continue reading
Posted in Japanese, Kotowaza
Tagged classical grammar, government service, imperial court, self-employment, service
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I wouldn’t wish it on a dog
夫婦喧嘩は犬も食わぬ (Fuufu genka wa inu mo kuwanu; “Even a dog doesn’t eat a husband-wife fight”) Definition: Fights between marital partners are based on small issues that seem ridiculous to outsiders but can become emotionally charged. Then they quickly blow over and the … Continue reading
Posted in Japanese, Kotowaza
Tagged classical grammar, couple fight, 犬も食わぬ, even a dog, 喧嘩, 夫婦
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I learn by going where I have to go
習うより慣れよ (Narau yori nareyo; “Experience over learning”) Definition: It’s easier to acquire knowledge or learn a skill by practicing it firsthand than through simply being taught. Hands-on study beats abstract learning methods like lectures or book-reading. Breakdown: We have two … Continue reading
Posted in Japanese, Kotowaza
Tagged classical grammar, 習うより, experience, learn by doing, 慣れよ, 慣れろ
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Go west, young man!
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
Posted in Japanese, Kotowaza
Tagged beloved child, classical grammar, journey, 可愛い子, 旅
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Be the change you want to see in the world, even if it’s only pocket change
Intro: I may have gone a little overboard with the explanation on this one. I hope somebody some time finds it useful, at least! 義を見てせざるは勇無きなり (Gi wo mite sezaru wa yuu naki nari; “To see what is right and not … Continue reading
Posted in Japanese, Kotowaza
Tagged classical grammar, Confucius, courage, 義, 見てせざる, morality, 勇無き
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landofnudotcom 
Does this ring any bells?
Not for those who refuse to hear! 耳を掩い*て鐘を盗む (Mimi wo ooite kane wo nusumu; “To cover one’s ears and steal a bell”) *See Notes for an important comment on pronunciation! Definition: When you think you’ve hidden something – usually something … Continue reading →