also: おもいたったがきちにち
there's no time like the present; act on an idea right away
Proverb encouraging immediate action when inspiration strikes; literally 'the day you think of it is an auspicious day.'
If you feel like traveling, there's no time like the present—let's start planning right away.
They say there's no time like the present, so I decided to start a new hobby today.
Similar meaning of 'strike while the iron is hot,' but 思い立ったが吉日 emphasizes acting on a personal idea or inspiration, while 善は急げ is more about not delaying a good deed or opportunity.
Standard kanji spelling for this proverb.
Alternate reading of 吉日 as きちにち; less common but still encountered.
A Japanese proverb combining 思い立つ (to think of doing something) and 吉日 (auspicious day). The exact origin is uncertain, but it reflects a common cultural encouragement to act promptly on inspiration.