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芸は身を助ける (げいはみをたすける) Japanese meaning | Kotomora

芸げいは身みを助たすける

Meanings

1

expression, ichidan verb

art brings bread; a skill can be a livelihood

proverb

Proverb meaning that having a practical skill or art can help you earn a living or get through hard times.

若わかいときに身みにつけた技ぎ術じゅつが、失しつ業ぎょうしたときに役やく立だった。まさに芸げいは身みを助たすけるだ。
The skills I learned when I was young came in handy when I lost my job. Truly, art brings bread.

Kanji

芸technique, art, craft
身somebody, person, one's station in life
助help, rescue, assist

Etymology

A traditional Japanese proverb. The exact origin is uncertain, but it reflects the practical wisdom that acquiring a skill can provide a means of support.