聞きくは一いっ時ときの恥はじ、聞きかぬは末まつ代だいの恥はじ

expression

better to ask and be embarrassed than not ask and never know

Proverb encouraging people to ask questions even at the risk of momentary embarrassment, because remaining ignorant leads to lasting shame. Often contrasted with the similar proverb 聞くは一時の恥、聞かぬは一生の恥.

See also: 聞くは一時の恥、聞かぬは一生の恥

• 「聞きくは一いっ時ときの恥はじ、聞きかぬは末まつ代だいの恥はじ」というから、わからないことはすぐに質しつ問もんしよう。

  As the proverb says, 'Better to ask and be embarrassed than not ask and never know,' so let's ask questions right away when we don't understand something.