泡ほう影えい

noun

bubbles and shadows; something transient

Literary or poetic term for the ephemeral nature of things, likening them to bubbles on water or fleeting shadows. Often used in Buddhist or philosophical contexts to describe the impermanence of life.

• 人じん生せいは泡ほう影えいのごとし。

  Life is like bubbles and shadows.

• 富とみも名めい誉よも泡ほう影えいに過すぎない。

  Wealth and fame are nothing more than something transient.