青あおは藍あいより出いでて藍あいより青あおし

expression

the student has become the master; the pupil surpasses the teacher

Proverb meaning that a student can surpass their teacher through diligent study. The literal image is that indigo dye, made from the indigo plant, becomes a deeper blue than the plant itself. Used to praise a student's growth or to encourage further effort.

• 彼かれの作さく品ひんは師し匠しょうのものを超こえている。まさに青あおは藍あいより出いでて藍あいより青あおしだ。

  His work surpasses his master's. Truly, the student has become the master.

• 「青あおは藍あいより出いでて藍あいより青あおし」という言こと葉ばがあるように、努ど力りょくすれば師しを超こえることもできる。

  As the saying goes, 'blue dye comes from the indigo plant and is bluer than indigo' — with effort, you can surpass your teacher.