Translation guide
This proverb expresses the idea that treating others well leads to being treated well in return. In Japanese, it is often expressed through set phrases, proverbs, or natural statements about reciprocity.
Express the idea that kindness leads to kindness in return, often as a general truth or moral advice.
A well-known Japanese proverb meaning 'kindness is not for the sake of others (alone)' — implying that being kind to others will eventually benefit oneself. It is the closest natural equivalent to 'kindness begets kindness.'
情けは人のためならず、いつか自分に返ってくる。
Kindness begets kindness; it will come back to you someday.
Express the idea in a more conversational, less proverbial way.
A straightforward way to say 'if you are kind, kindness will come back to you.' It uses the conditional と and the verb 返ってくる (to return).
人に親切にすると、いつか親切が返ってくるよ。
If you are kind to others, kindness will come back to you someday.
情けは人のためならず is specifically about kindness and its indirect benefit to oneself. 因果応報 is a broader principle of karmic retribution that applies to all actions, good or bad. For 'kindness begets kindness,' 情けは人のためならず is more precise and commonly used.
情けは人のためならずと言うから、困っている人を助けよう。
They say kindness begets kindness, so let's help those in need.
因果応報だから、悪いことをすると自分に返ってくる。
Because of karma, if you do bad things, it will come back to you.
A Buddhist term meaning 'retribution of cause and effect,' often used to express that good deeds bring good results and bad deeds bring bad results. It can be used in a broader sense than just kindness.
因果応報で、親切にしていれば良いことがある。
As you sow, so shall you reap; if you are kind, good things will happen.
A more specific Buddhist phrase meaning 'good causes bring good results.' It is less common in everyday speech but directly conveys the idea.
善因善果を信じて、人に親切にしている。
Believing that kindness begets kindness, I try to be kind to others.
A more poetic expression meaning 'kindness goes around and comes back to you.' It emphasizes the cyclical nature of kindness.
優しさは巡り巡って自分に返ってくるものだ。
Kindness comes full circle and returns to you.