Tag Archives: modesty

Some cows give milk; this one says “Mu”

Posted on December 12, 2018 by Confanity

無為無能 mu.i.mu.nou Literally: nothing – do/benefit – nothing – ability Alternately: Not doing anything, and not able to do anything. A complete lack of action, and of ability to achieve anything significant. Idle and incompetent. Notes: Keep in mind that … Continue reading →

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In which a big head is a form of humility

Posted on November 16, 2014 by Confanity

実るほど頭の下がる稲穂かな (Minoru hodo atama no sagaru inaho ka na; “As modest as a ripened head of rice”) Definition: A description or proverbial example of great modesty befitting true greatness. Just as the ripened “ear” or “head” of rice on a … Continue reading →

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