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.'
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).
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.
Kindness begets kindness; it will come back to you someday.
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.
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.
Believing that kindness begets kindness, I try to be kind to others.
If you are kind to others, kindness will come back to you someday.
A more poetic expression meaning 'kindness goes around and comes back to you.' It emphasizes the cyclical nature of kindness.
Kindness comes full circle and returns to you.
They say kindness begets kindness, so let's help those in need.
Because of karma, if you do bad things, it will come back to you.