Famous Japanese phrases, expressions, sayings, and idioms are fun for beginners to learn and practice. You’re probably already familiar with the many idioms in English, such as “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch” and “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.”
Using such phrases in everyday conversation will help you sound like a native Japanese speaker, but you have to be sure you’re using them in the right context and setting. Here, we’ll share 10 famous Japanese quotes in English with the meanings behind them to get you started.
10 Japanese Famous Quotes, Expressions, and Sayings
井の中の蛙、大海を知らず – I no naka no kawazu, taikai wo sirazu
Translation: A frog in a well never knows the vast ocean
This famous Japanese sayings is based on a short tale about a frog: There was a frog who was born in a well. The frog was very proud of the fact that he was the biggest creature in the well.
As a result, the frog believed he was invincible, and one day, he made up his mind to leave the well. Eventually, he ended up in the ocean and realized, in the grand scheme of things, he is much smaller than he thought.
Like other Japanese inspirational quotes, this is a reminder that there are many other things beyond the world you live in, so don’t think you’re the biggest or the best in the world.
口は災いの元 – Kuchi wa wazawai no moto
Translation: A mouth causes trouble
A similar Japanese idiom is: “iwanu ga hana,” 言わぬが花.
Both of these Japanese sayings mean essentially the same thing: sometimes, it’s better to be silent. Think of the English saying, “silence is golden.”
能ある鷹は爪を隠す – Nô aru taka wa tsume wo kakusu
Translation: The skillful hawk hides its talons
A hawk who is a skilled hunter, hides his talons from his prey. This is one of the many Japanese wisdom quotes that serve as a reminder to stay humble; talented people don’t need to show off.
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猿も木から落ちる – Saru mo ki kara ochiru
Translation: Even a monkey can fall from a tree
Another similar Japanese saying is, “kappa no kawa nagare,” 河童の川流れ. This translates to: even a kappa can drown.
Monkeys are great at climbing trees and kappas are skilled swimmers, but monkeys can fall and kappas can drown. Essentially, nobody is perfect; even a virtuoso can make a mistake.
豚に真珠 – Buta ni Sinjyu
Translation: A pearl to a pig
Another way to say this is “neko ni koban,” 猫に小判. This means, “a koban to a cat.” A koban is a golden coin that was used hundreds of years ago in Japan.
Both Japanese idioms mean that it’s worthless to give a gift or something valuable to someone who doesn’t appreciate the gift.
These Japanese sayings can also be used to describe someone who owns or wears things that don’t really suit them.
武士は食わねど高楊枝 – Bushi wa kuwanedo takayôji
Translation: A Samurai pretends, even when he is starved, by holding a toothpick between his teeth
The meaning of this Japanese quote is simple: don’t let others see your pain.
The message is positive, but this expression is also used to describe someone who is too proud to give up.
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二兎を追う者は一兎をも得ず – Nito wo ou mono wa itto mo ezu
Translation: A man who chases two rabbits, doesn’t deserve one
This Japanese idiom expresses the belief that in order to be successful, you should focus on one thing at a time. Also, don’t be greedy.
悪銭身に付かず – Akusen mi ni tsukazu
Translation: Bad money won’t stick with you
Many of the best Japanese quotes are similar to proverbs. This one says that if you make money by cheating, or as a result of a bad deed, you will lose it.
Make an honest living; don’t cut corners!
郷に入っては郷に従え – Gô ni haitte wa gô ni sitagae
Translation: When you join another village, follow the rules
A similar phrase but in English would be: “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” This Japanese quote is a good reminder to be respectful to others.
負けるが勝ち – Makeru ga kachi
Translation: To lose means to win
This is one of the hardest of all Japanese sayings for Westerners to understand, but its meaning is quite simple: don’t compete over foolish matters.
Sometimes, just staying away from a conflict is much smarter. Walking away from a competition or challenge can be the better decision.
SEE ALSO: Japanese Writing Systems for Beginners
自業自得 – Jigou jitoku
Translation: You get what you deserve
Westerners have a similar saying to this Japanese idiom as well: you reap what you sow. Ultimately, what you get in life depends on what you do, so behave responsibly.
石二鳥 – Isseki nityou
This expression is similar to the English saying, “kill two birds with one stone.” It essentially means unexpected luck.
Now you know 10 popular Japanese sayings and quotes to use in everyday conversation. Perhaps you feel a little wiser, or at least more enlightened!
Do you know any other famous or cool Japanese quotes? Share them in the comments below!
Post Author: Kaoru N.Kaoru teaches Japanese lessons in Brighton, MA. Originally from Tokyo, he graduated from Berklee College of Music with a dual major. Kaoru is available for local and online lessons. Learn more about Kaoru here!
Photo by Moyan Brenn
Maile Proctor