expression, godan verb (-ru)
the world is in constant flux; mulberry fields turn into blue seas
Proverb expressing that worldly affairs are ever-changing; often used to reflect on the impermanence of prosperity or circumstances. The literal image is of land becoming sea over time.
栄枯盛衰は世の習い、まさに桑田変じて滄海となるだ。
The rise and fall of fortunes is the way of the world; truly, mulberry fields turn into blue seas.
Standard kanji form of the proverb.
Variant using 成る instead of なる.
A variant with the same meaning but reversed order: 'the blue sea changes into mulberry fields.'
A four-character compound meaning 'ups and downs of life'; similar in theme but more concise and commonly used.
From classical Chinese literature, reflecting the idea that over time, land and sea can swap places, symbolizing the impermanence of worldly things.