Translation guide
This proverb means that many small amounts add up to a large amount. In Japanese, there are several equivalent proverbs and expressions that convey the same idea of accumulation.
Express the idea that saving small amounts over time leads to a large total.
Literally 'even dust, when piled up, becomes a mountain.' This is the most common Japanese equivalent, used to encourage saving or to note that small things add up.
毎日少しずつ貯金すれば、塵も積もれば山となるで、いつか大きな金額になるよ。
If you save a little every day, many a little makes a mickle, and someday it'll become a large sum.
A four-character idiom meaning 'accumulate little, become much.' More literary and concise, often used in writing.
積少成多の精神で、毎日の努力を続けよう。
With the spirit of 'many a little makes a mickle,' let's continue our daily efforts.
Literally 'raindrops pierce a stone.' Emphasizes persistence and the cumulative effect of small, repeated actions. Less common for financial savings, more for effort.
雨垂れ石を穿つというように、毎日の練習が大きな成果を生む。
As the saying goes, many a little makes a mickle; daily practice yields great results.