time flies like an arrow; time and tide wait for no man; life is short
A classical proverb emphasizing the swift passage of time. Often used in reflective or cautionary contexts.
Time flies like an arrow; before I knew it, another year had passed.
As the saying goes, 'time flies like an arrow,' and one's youth passes in the blink of an eye.
Similar meaning ('time waits for no one'), but 光陰矢のごとし uses the arrow metaphor and is more classical.
Focuses on the value of time ('time is money'), while 光陰矢のごとし emphasizes its speed.
Standard modern spelling using hiragana for the auxiliary.
Classical spelling with 如し; seen in literary or formal contexts.
A classical Japanese proverb derived from Chinese literature. 光陰 (こういん) means 'light and shadow,' metaphorically 'time,' and 矢のごとし means 'like an arrow.' The exact origin is uncertain, but it reflects a common East Asian metaphor for the swift passage of time.