Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of a 'wise saying' is often expressed through specific terms for proverbs, maxims, or famous quotes. The most common and versatile word is ことわざ, which covers traditional proverbs and sayings. Other terms like 格言 and 名言 are used for more formal or famous wise sayings, respectively. The choice depends on the nuance: traditional wisdom, moral maxims, or memorable quotes.
To refer to a short, well-known saying that expresses a common truth or piece of advice, often passed down through generations.
The most common and general term for a proverb or saying. It covers a wide range of traditional wise sayings, including those that are humorous or practical.
「急がば回れ」ということわざを知っていますか。
Do you know the proverb 'Haste makes waste'?
日本のことわざには深い知恵が込められています。
Japanese proverbs contain deep wisdom.
The kanji form of ことわざ. It is less common in everyday writing but may appear in formal or literary contexts.
この諺は古代中国に由来する。
This proverb originates from ancient China.
To refer to a concise statement of a principle or rule of conduct, often with a moral or philosophical tone.
A formal term for a maxim or aphorism. It often implies a moral or philosophical lesson and is used in serious contexts.
彼はスピーチの中で有名な格言を引用した。
He quoted a famous maxim in his speech.
「時は金なり」はよく知られた格言だ。
'Time is money' is a well-known maxim.
A more literary term for a golden saying or precious maxim. It carries a sense of timeless wisdom.
To refer to a well-known saying by a specific person, often witty or insightful, and not necessarily a traditional proverb.
A famous quote or wise saying, often attributed to a specific person. It emphasizes the memorability and impact of the words.
スティーブ・ジョブズの名言は多くの人に影響を与えた。
Steve Jobs' famous quotes have influenced many people.
この名言を座右の銘にしています。
I live by this wise saying as my motto.
To emphasize the traditional, ancient origin of a wise saying, often with a sense of folk wisdom.
An old proverb or ancient saying. It highlights the historical depth and traditional nature of the saying.
この古諺は今でも通用する。
This old saying still holds true today.
ことわざ is the broadest term for proverbs and sayings, often traditional and anonymous. 格言 is more formal and implies a moral or philosophical maxim, sometimes attributed. 名言 specifically refers to famous, memorable quotes, usually by known individuals.
「猿も木から落ちる」はことわざです。
'Even monkeys fall from trees' is a proverb.
「己の欲せざるところ、人に施すことなかれ」は格言です。
'Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself' is a maxim.
「天才とは1％のひらめきと99％の努力である」はエジソンの名言です。
'Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration' is a famous quote by Edison.
この本には人生の金言がたくさん載っている。
This book contains many golden sayings about life.