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人のことを言う (ひとのことをいう) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, godan verb (-u)
find fault with others ; criticize others (while ignoring one's own faults)
Proverbial expression often used when someone criticizes others for faults they themselves have. Equivalent to 'the pot calling the kettle black'. Usually used in the form 人のことを言う or 人のことを言えない.
しっ
敗ぱい
を
し
た
から
、
人ひと
の
こと
は
言い
え
ない
。
I made the same mistake, so I can't criticize others.
Written forms 人ひと のことを 言い う
Standard kanji-kana mixed spelling.
人ひと のことをいう
Kana spelling of the verb part; common in informal writing.
人ひと の 事こと を 言い う
Uses 事 for こと; slightly more formal or literary feel.
人ひと の 事こと をいう
Combination of 事 and kana verb; less common but valid.
Similar words 目め くそ 鼻はな くそを 笑わら う A more vulgar and direct proverb with the same meaning: 'the pot calling the kettle black'.
五ご 十じっ 歩ぽ 百ひゃっ 歩ぽ Means 'six of one, half a dozen of the other'; similar idea of hypocrisy but less personal.
Etymology A set phrase combining 人 (other people), こと (matter/thing), and 言う (to say). The literal meaning is 'to say things about others', which by extension implies criticizing others while overlooking one's own similar faults.
