他山
た
ざ
ん
Meanings
1
another mountain; another temple
Rare standalone noun. Almost always encountered in the proverb 他山の石 (a lesson drawn from others' mistakes). The literal meaning 'another mountain/temple' is mainly a dictionary gloss; modern usage is overwhelmingly bound to the proverb.
The proverb 他山の石 means that even others' mistakes can serve as a lesson for oneself.
Expressions
- 他山の石以て玉を攻むべしlearn from others' mistakes; use others' faults to improve oneself