36 Famous Japanese Proverbs and Wisdom Words

For centuries, elders in different cultures have passed down Words of Wisdom not only to inspire the young, but also to provide great insight into what generally works and doesn’t work in life. The following collection of famous Japanese proverbs and words of wisdom are steeped in the Asian nation’s way of life.

Japanese wisdom, proverbs and sayings

Japanese wisdom

These wise Japanese sayings are sure to inspire a smile (plus a nod) or two for a wonderful day.

1- One kind word can warm three winter months.

2- A fog cannot be dispelled by a fan.

3- Fall seven times, stand up eight.

4- Spilled water will not return to the bowl.

5- The smallest good deed is better than the grandest good intention.

6- If money be not thy servant, it will be thy master.

7- Life without endeavor is like entering a jewel-mine and coming out with empty hands.

8- Tigers die and leave their skins; people die and leave their names.

9- A man in love mistakes a pimple for a dimple.

10- People are satisfied to judge things by their own narrow experience, never knowing of the wide world outside.

11- Forgiving the unrepentant is like drawing pictures on water.

12- Knowledge without wisdom is a load of books on the back of an ass.

13- A merchants happiness hangs upon chance, winds, and waves.

14- Even a thief takes ten years to learn his trade.

15- We learn little from victory, much from defeat.

16- Money grows on the tree of persistence.

17- It is a beggar’s pride that he is not a thief.

18- One dog yelping at nothing will set ten thousand straining at their collars.

19- Better go without medicine than call in an unskilled physician.

20- If a man be great, even his dog will wear a proud look.

Japanese wisdom

Setup for a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Photo by Ermell

Did you know – wa or group harmony is a fundamental Japanese value:

“The value of the common greater good is more important than valuing one’s own needs. This principle is applied in schools, as well as social groups and, later in life, the workplace” (University of Florida)

More Japanese wisdom words

21- A merry companion on the road is as good as a nag.

22- My son is my son till he gets him a wife, but my daughter’s my daughter all the days of her life.

23- Don’t stay long when the husband is not at home.

24- If you believe everything you read, better not read.

25- The nail that sticks out is hammered down.

26- A round egg can be made square according to how you cut it; words would be harsh according to how you speak them.

27- An excess of courtesy is discourtesy.

28- When your companions get drunk and fight, Take up your hat, and wish them good night.

29- The go-between wears out a thousand sandals.

30- Deceive the rich and powerful if you will, but don’t insult them.

31- Never rely on the glory of the morning or the smiles of your mother-in-law.

Read | Six days and seven nights in Yokohama

32- First the man takes a drink, then the drink takes a drink, then the drink takes the man.

33- If the father is a frog, the son will be a frog.

34- One who smiles rather than rages is always the stronger.

35- The pebble in the brook secretly thinks itself a precious stone.

36- Unless you enter the tiger’s den you cannot take the cubs.

We hope that you have enjoyed reading ’36 Famous Japanese Proverbs and Words of Wisdom’. Did we leave out a Japanese wisdom saying that you are fond of? Share it with us… leave a comment.

 

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