Translation guide
This English phrase expresses the idea that discarded or overlooked things can hold hidden value. In Japanese, this concept is often conveyed through proverbs, set phrases, or descriptive expressions rather than a single direct translation.
To express the idea that things others throw away or ignore may actually be valuable or useful.
A proverb meaning 'there is treasure in what people throw away.' It directly captures the idea of unexpected good in discarded things.
彼はゴミ捨て場から使える家具を見つけて、「人の捨てたるものに宝あり」と言った。
He found usable furniture at the dump and said, 'There is treasure in what people throw away.'
To describe a situation where something discarded or overlooked turns out to be good or useful.
A common phrase meaning 'it's not something to throw away' or 'it's not worthless.' Used when something initially thought to be useless turns out to have value.
この古いカメラ、直したらまだ使える。捨てたものじゃないな。
This old camera, once repaired, can still be used. It's not something to throw away.
Proverbs like 「人の捨てたるものに宝あり」 are fixed expressions that convey the concept succinctly and are suitable for general statements. Descriptive phrases like 「捨てたものじゃない」 are more flexible and can be used in everyday conversation to comment on a specific situation.
人の捨てたるものに宝ありとはよく言ったものだ。
They say well that there is treasure in what people throw away.
この椅子、道端に落ちてたけど、座り心地がいい。捨てたものじゃないよ。
This chair was lying on the roadside, but it's comfortable to sit on. It's not something to throw away.
A proverb meaning 'when one god abandons you, another picks you up.' It emphasizes that what is rejected by one may be cherished by another, similar to finding good in what others leave behind.
前の会社では不要と言われたスキルが、今の職場では重宝されている。捨てる神あれば拾う神ありだね。
The skills that were deemed unnecessary at my previous company are valued at my current workplace. When one god abandons you, another picks you up.
A proverb meaning 'there is luck in leftovers.' It suggests that what remains or is left behind may bring unexpected fortune.
バーゲンで最後に残った服を買ったら、とても似合っていた。残り物には福があるものだ。
I bought the last remaining clothes at the sale, and they looked great on me. There is luck in leftovers.
Means 'unexpectedly useful.' Can be used to describe something that was left behind or ignored but proves helpful.
誰も見向きもしなかった古い本が、案外役に立った。
The old book that nobody paid attention to turned out to be unexpectedly useful.