Japanese proverbs, or kotowaza, are more than just wise sayings - they’re cultural snapshots. Many reflect Buddhist philosophy, historical lessons, or observations about human nature. Here are some of the most impactful ones, along with explanations of when and how to use them.
1. 猿も木から落ちる (Saru mo ki kara ochiru)
猿も木から落ちる
[sa̠ɾɯ̟ mo̞ kʲi ka̠ɾa̠ o̞t͡ɕiɾɯ̟]“Even monkeys fall from trees”
Even experts make mistakes. Use this to comfort someone who’s failed despite their skill, or to remind yourself that perfection is impossible.
2. 出る杭は打たれる (Deru kui wa utareru)
出る杭は打たれる
/deɾɯ kɯi wa ɯtaɾeɾɯ/“The nail that sticks out gets hammered down”
A caution about conformity in Japanese society. It’s often cited critically, but it also explains why standing out too much can invite backlash.
Fun fact: This proverb is so well-known that it’s frequently referenced in discussions about workplace culture. For more on Japanese social dynamics, see our guide on Japanese honorifics.
3. 石の上にも三年 (Ishi no ue ni mo san-nen)
石の上にも三年
[iɕino̞ːe̞ɲ̟imo̞sã̠nːẽ̞ɴ]“Three years on a rock”
Persistence pays off. If you sit on a cold rock long enough, it’ll warm up - a reminder that endurance leads to results.
4. 虎穴に入らずんば虎子を得ず (Koketsu ni irazunba koji o ezu)
虎穴に入らずんば虎子を得ず
/koketsɯ ni iɾazɯnba kodʑi o ezu/“Nothing ventured, nothing gained”
Literally, “If you don’t enter the tiger’s den, you won’t catch its cub.” A call to take risks for big rewards.
5. 花より団子 (Hana yori dango)
花より団子
[ha̠na̠ jo̞ɾʲi dã̠ŋɡo̞]“Dumplings over flowers”
Substance over style. It’s often used humorously to admit you’d rather have food (dango) than admire cherry blossoms (hana).
6. 七転び八起き (Nana korobi ya oki)
七転び八起き
[na̠na̠ ko̞ɾo̞bʲi]“Fall seven times, rise eight”
The Japanese equivalent of “If at first you don’t succeed…” - a mantra for resilience.
7. 知らぬが仏 (Shiranu ga hotoke)
知らぬが仏
/ɕiɾanɯ ɡa hotoke/“Not knowing is Buddha”
Ignorance is bliss. Sometimes, not knowing the truth spares you pain.
8. 井の中の蛙大海を知らず (I no naka no kawazu taikai o shirazu)
井の中の蛙大海を知らず
[i no̞ na̠ka̠ no̞ ka̠β̞a̠zɨ ta̠ika̠i o̞ ɕiɾa̠zɨ]“A frog in a well doesn’t know the ocean”
A warning against narrow-mindedness. If your worldview is limited, you’ll miss the bigger picture.
9. 塵も積もれば山となる (Chiri mo tsumoreba yama to naru)
塵も積もれば山となる
/tɕiɾi mo tsɯmoɾeba jama to naɾɯ/“Even dust piled up becomes a mountain”
Small efforts compound over time. A favourite of productivity gurus and savers.
10. 一期一会 (Ichi-go ichi-e)
一期一会
[it͡ɕiɡo̞it͡ɕie̞]“One time, one meeting”
Cherish every encounter - it’ll never happen again exactly the same way. Rooted in tea ceremony philosophy.
Pro tip: Many of these proverbs use yojijukugo (four-character idioms). If you’re learning kanji, they’re great practice. For more on Japanese’s rhythmic side, check out Japanese poetry.
Next time you’re in a conversation, try dropping one of these. Just don’t be the frog in the well who only knows ten proverbs - keep exploring!
