expression
genius shows from childhood; a great person's talent is evident early
Proverb meaning that exceptional people show their qualities from a young age, just as the fragrant Japanese bead tree (栴檀) is already fragrant when it first sprouts. The literal meaning is often explained when using the proverb.
彼は子供の頃から絵が上手だった。まさに栴檀は双葉より芳しだ。
He was good at drawing since he was a child. Truly, genius shows from childhood.
「栴檀は双葉より芳し」ということわざは、優れた人は幼い頃から才能を現すという意味だ。
The proverb 'the Japanese bead tree is fragrant from when a sprout' means that a talented person shows their ability from a young age.
A classical Japanese proverb of uncertain origin, often traced to Chinese literature where a similar idea appears. The Japanese bead tree (栴檀) is known for its fragrant wood, and the proverb uses its early fragrance as a metaphor for precocious talent.