Kotowaza / Japanese Proverb pages: 1 | 2 |

ことわざ: Japanese Proverbs

Japanese Proverbs or KOTOWAZA

諺にもあるように。。。as the proverb says... Life's lessons are contained in Japanese proverbs or KOTOWAZA.

KOTOWAZA are clever, compact sayings which often contain gems of wisdom which can act as a compass for our life’s journey.

In a bustling society fraught with complex conventions and traditions, KOTOWAZA lean toward clarity, fluidity, and graceful order. Economy of words, cross-over application to other cultures, and a degree of levity all mark KOTOWAZA’s illuminating power.

The Japanese love proverbs and since they learn them in school and from their families they know what they all mean, and their lives are be shaped by them, even if only unconsciously. So many Japanese are alike in their deportment perhaps showing the influence of kotowaza in their lives.

The Japanese love proverbs and use them in their everyday life, often citing just the first part of a well-known phrase in an effort to be brief.

The employment of proverbs enables the Japanese language to be compact, quick and simple. Evidence might be found in Japanese animation and manga, but also appears in news and cultural programs, and in much fiction.

Because traditional Japanese culture was tied to agriculture, many Japanese proverbs are derived from agricultural customs and practices. Some are from the Go game and Buddhism and many four-character idioms are from Chinese philosophy, in particular "The Analects" by Confucius.

www.EnglishJapaneseOnlineDictionary.com's growing list of Japanese proverbs or KOTOWAZA provide pause for reflection. We hope you enjoy learning and using them. click for more Kotowaza