Translation guide
This English proverb encourages patience. In Japanese, similar ideas are expressed through proverbs, set phrases, and natural expressions that emphasize waiting calmly for good results.
Expressing the idea that patience leads to good outcomes, similar to the English proverb.
A well-known Japanese proverb meaning 'If you wait, there will be fine weather on the sea route.' It conveys that patience brings favorable conditions.
就職活動は大変だけど、待てば海路の日和ありだよ。
Job hunting is tough, but good things come to those who wait.
A proverb meaning 'Good fortune awaits those who sleep and wait.' It suggests that luck comes to those who are patient and don't rush.
焦らずに、果報は寝て待てというからね。
Don't rush; good things come to those who wait, as they say.
Literally 'Three years on a stone.' It means perseverance and patience will eventually be rewarded, though it emphasizes endurance more than waiting.
石の上にも三年というし、もう少し頑張ってみよう。
They say good things come to those who wait, so let's keep at it a bit longer.
Casually telling someone that waiting will bring good results.
A natural, casual way to say 'If you wait, good things will happen.' Suitable for friends or informal settings.
今はチャンスがなくても、待てばいいことあるよ。
Even if there's no chance now, good things come to those who wait.
Means 'Let's wait without rushing.' A softer, more supportive way to encourage patience.
結果はすぐに出ないけど、焦らないで待とう。
Results won't come right away, but good things come to those who wait.
Expressing the idea in a more formal, literary, or business context.
Literally 'Patience is rewarded.' A straightforward, slightly formal statement.
長期的に見れば、忍耐は報われるものです。
In the long run, good things come to those who wait.
Means 'Those who wait are rewarded.' A clear, slightly formal expression.
待つ者は報われると信じて、努力を続けましょう。
Believing that good things come to those who wait, let's keep up our efforts.
Directly translating 'good things come to those who wait' as 「良いことは待つ人に来る」 sounds unnatural and is not used. Use the proverbs or phrases above instead.
The proverb 待てば海路の日和あり is widely understood but may sound old-fashioned in casual chat. For everyday conversation, 待てばいいことあるよ is more natural.