Tag Archives: mountain

Fortunately, this blog is a complete auteur project….

Posted on December 6, 2015 by

船頭多くして船山に登る (Sendou ooku shite fune yama ni noboru; “With many boatmen, a ship will climb a mountain”) Definition: Too many cooks spoil the both. With too many crew members trying to steer, a ship can become so lost that it … Continue reading →

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But wouldn’t a forest be a mountain’s “cover”?

Posted on October 25, 2015 by

山高きが故に貴からず (Yama takaki ga yue ni tattokarazu; “The mountain is not valued for being high.”) Definition: Don’t judge situations based on superficial qualities, but by their essential nature. Don’t judge a book by its cover. Don’t value a mountain just … Continue reading →

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On how to make a mountain

Posted on September 21, 2014 by

A variation on a theme: 塵も積もれば山となる (Chiri mo tsumoreba yama to naru; “Even dust, if it builds up, becomes a mountain”) Definition: Small things, allowed to accumulate, become large. Multiple sources reference the English saying “Many a little makes a … Continue reading →

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Who Hunts a Deer

Posted on May 26, 2014 by

Hello! It’s time for another kotowaza: 鹿を追う者は山を見ず (shika wo ou mono wa yama wo mizu; “one who chases a deer doesn’t see the mountain”) Definition: Describes a situation in which someone is so focused on one thing or goal, generally … Continue reading →

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