諺
proverb
Readings
On'yomi
- ゲン
Kun'yomi
- ことわざ
Meaning
諺 centers on a short, traditional saying that expresses common wisdom: a proverb.
Most common words using 諺
- 諺ことわざN2
proverb; saying; aphorism; maxim
- 世諺せいげん
proverb; saying
- 俗諺ぞくげん
proverb; popular saying
- 俚諺りげん
proverb; saying
- 法諺ほうげん
legal maxim
- 西諺せいげん
Western saying; Western proverb
- 諺文けんぶん
hangul (Korean script)
- 諺文オンモン
hangul (Korean script)
- 諺解げんかい
colloquial interpretation (of a text); interpretation using common language
- 諺語げんご
colloquialism; slang
- 鄙諺ひげん
vulgar proverb; popular saying
Study
Etymology
諺 combines 言 (speech) with 彥, which likely contributes the sound and may relate to elegant or refined speech, fitting the idea of a proverb as a polished saying.
Meaning mnemonic
言 (words) beside 彥 (a shape suggesting something refined or elevated) gives the idea of elevated words: a proverb that carries wisdom.
Reading mnemonic
For ゲン, imagine a wise old man named Gen who always speaks in proverbs: Gen -> ゲン, and his words are full of traditional sayings.