Translation guide
The English word 'saying' refers to a well-known phrase or expression that conveys a piece of wisdom, advice, or a general truth. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through several words that differ in nuance, formality, and usage.
A short, well-known saying that expresses a general truth or piece of advice, often metaphorical.
The most common and direct equivalent of 'proverb' or 'saying' in the sense of a traditional, pithy expression of wisdom. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
「急がば回れ」は有名なことわざです。
'Haste makes waste' is a famous saying.
このことわざの意味を教えてください。
Please tell me the meaning of this saying.
Refers to a maxim or aphorism, often with a more formal or philosophical tone. Commonly used for quotes from famous figures or moral teachings.
彼はスピーチで有名な格言を引用した。
He quoted a famous saying in his speech.
Kanji form of ことわざ. Used in formal writing or literature, but ことわざ in kana is more common in everyday contexts.
この諺は古くから伝わっている。
This saying has been passed down since ancient times.
A fixed phrase or expression used in everyday conversation, not necessarily a proverb.
Refers to a turn of phrase or a way of saying something. It can mean a set expression or idiom, often focusing on the wording itself.
その言い回しはよく使われます。
That saying (expression) is often used.
Specifically means 'idiom' or 'set phrase'. Used when referring to a fixed combination of words whose meaning isn't literal.
A set phrase or cliché, often used in specific situations (greetings, apologies, etc.). Can have a slightly negative nuance of being overused.
A saying that has been passed down from ancient times, often with historical or cultural weight.
Literally 'old proverb'. Used in literary or academic contexts to refer to ancient sayings.
古諺に「千里の道も一歩から」とある。
As the old saying goes, 'A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.'
A saying derived from a historical event or classical Chinese story. Often taught in school.
ことわざ are traditional proverbs with a moral or practical lesson (e.g., 急がば回れ). 格言 are maxims or wise sayings, often by famous people, and can be more formal. 慣用句 are idiomatic phrases whose meaning is not literal (e.g., 油を売る 'to loaf on the job'). Use ことわざ for general 'sayings' with a lesson, 格言 for quotes, and 慣用句 for idioms.
The English word 'saying' as in 'as the saying goes' is often translated as ことわざ, but in casual speech, you might just say よく言うように (as they often say) or 昔から言われているように (as has been said since old times). Avoid literal translations like 言っていること.
ことわざにもあるように、習うより慣れよ。
As the saying goes, practice makes perfect.
古いことわざに、時は金なりというのがあります。
There's an old saying: time is money.
日本語の慣用句を勉強しています。
I'm studying Japanese sayings (idioms).
それはただの決まり文句だよ。
That's just a stock saying.
「矛盾」は故事成語から来ています。
'Contradiction' comes from an old saying (historical idiom).