83 Japanese Idioms to Learn About Japanese Culture

Idioms are used so commonly in Japanese, you hear them in everything from casual conversations to news and cultural programs. They may seem like they aren’t important, but they actually give you important insights into Japanese culture, customs and people.

Let’s get to know 83 Japanese idioms that you might encounter on your Japanese learning journey.

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What Are Japanese Idioms (熟語)?

“Idiom” in Japanese is 熟語 (じゅくご, jyukugo), which literally means “kanji compound,” or a grouping of kanji to create a simple phrase with deep meaning.

An idiom is a phrase or expression that conveys a figurative meaning beyond the literal interpretation of its individual words, often rooted in cultural or historical context.

Idioms are commonly used in language to convey ideas or emotions in a more vivid and imaginative way.

Japanese Nature and Weather Idioms

1. 明日には明日の風が吹く

Hiragana: あすにはあすのかぜがふく

Translation: Tomorrow’s winds will blow tomorrow

Now, this is a truly beautiful proverb. It’s a hopeful phrase that means “tomorrow is a new day.”

2. 雨降って地固まる

Hiragana: あめふってじかたまる

Translation: After rain falls, the ground hardens

This is yet another beautiful phrase coming straight from nature, with the same idea as in the English, “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”

3. 雨が降ろうと、槍が降ろうと

Hiragana: あめが ふろうと、やりがふろうと

Translation: Even if it rains, or if spears fall

This alarming phrase indicates that even rain or spears falling from the sky can’t stop something. Use the idiom to mean “no matter what happens,” similar to the English phrase “come Hell or high water.”

4. 花鳥風月

Hiragana: かちょうふうげつ

Translation: Flower, bird, wind, moon

Appreciating the beauty of nature; the changing seasons and their elements.

5. 雷を聞く側の神

Hiragana: かみなりをきくがわのかみ

Translation: The god on the side that hears thunder

The advantage of being prepared; being on the side that anticipates the changing weather.

6. 木を見て森を見ず

Hiragana: きをみてもりをみず

Translation: Seeing a tree but not the forest

Focusing on details and missing the bigger picture.

7. 雨垂れ石を穿つ

Hiragana: あまだれいしをうがつ

Translation: Dripping water can pierce a stone

Consistent effort can overcome even the toughest obstacles.

8. 嵐の前の静けさ

Hiragana: あらしのまえのしずけさ

Translation: The calm before the storm

A period of quietness or tension before a significant event.

9. 風前の灯火

Hiragana: ふうぜんのともしび

Translation: A lamp in the wind

A precarious situation; something fragile or unstable.

10. 雷を聞くは雷を見るに勝る

Hiragana: かみなりをきくはかみなりをみるにまさる

Translation: Hearing thunder is better than seeing it

This means it’s better to anticipate trouble than to experience it directly.

Japanese Idioms About Animals

11. 狸寝入り

Hiragana: たぬきねいり

Translation: A raccoon dog pretending to be asleep

Pretending to be unaware or feigning ignorance, similar to a raccoon dog playing possum.

12. 蓼食う虫も好き好き

Hiragana: たでくうむしもすきずき

Translation: Even a bug eating knotweed has its own taste preferences

Beauty is subjective; everyone has their own preferences.

13. 猿も木から落ちる  

Hiragana: さるもきからおちる

Translation: Even monkeys fall out of trees

We all make mistakes! Comfort your Japanese friends after a blunder by saying this cute phrase.

14. 明日のことを言うと天井のネズミが笑う

Hiragana: あすのことをいうとてんじょうのねずみがわらう

Translation: If you speak of tomorrow, the rats in the ceiling will laugh

This is one of the less concise idioms in Japanese, being a quite convoluted way to express a universal truth: The future is unpredictable. This is similar to the English saying, “we make our plans, and God laughs.”

15. 虎穴に入らずんば虎子を得ず

Hiragana: こけつにいらずんばこじをえず

Translation: If you don’t enter the tiger’s cave, you can’t catch its cub

This has to be one of my favorites. It expresses the same sentiment as “nothing ventured, nothing gained” in English, but literally translates as a perilous adventure with tigers and cubs—which I think paints a great picture of both the risk and the reward.

16. 井の中の蛙大海を知らず

Hiragana: いのなかのかわずたいかいをしらず

Translation: A frog in a well does not know the great sea

This is a wonderful way to express the idea of a person who’s satisfied to judge everything by their own narrow experience, remaining ignorant of the wide world outside.

17. 月とすっぽん

Hiragana: つきとすっぽん

Translation: The moon and a soft-shell turtle

While Americans compare apples to oranges, Japanese speakers compare the moon and a turtle. However, while apples and oranges are more or less on equal footing, the moon is the clearly superior option. So this phrase is used to compare two very different things, where one option is clearly the better option.

18. 猫に小判

Hiragana: ねこにこばん

Translation: Like gold coins to a cat

This is like the English “casting pearls before swine,” but with cats and gold, instead. It’s used to express the folly of wasting resources, beauty or quality on somebody who doesn’t appreciate it.

19. 猫も杓子も

Hiragana: ねこもしゃくしも

Translation: Even cats and rice ladles

This odd combination of items is used to indicate anyone and everyone, or suggest the idea of a whole lot of people. Similar phrases in English are “every Tom, Dick and Harry,” or “everybody and their mother.”

20. ごまめの歯ぎしり

Hiragana: ごまめのはぎしり

Translation: Little fish grinding their teeth

The thought of little fish grinding their teeth doesn’t exactly instill terror in a person. This idiom means that something is trivial or of no consequence, producing no effect. The phrase is often used to refer to a small person going up against a larger force, like a powerful corporation—no matter how much you yell, it’s likely to have little to no effect.

21. イタチの最後っ屁

Hiragana: いたちのさいごっぺ

Translation: A weasel’s last fart

When you’re cornered and out of options, you may have to rely on the weasel’s last fart. This is your last ditch effort to do something in a desperate situation.

22. 猫の手も借りたい

Hiragana: ねこのてもかりたい

Translation: Even want to borrow a cat’s paw

Desperate for help; in a difficult situation and willing to accept assistance from anyone.

23. 馬耳東風

Hiragana: ばじとうふう

Translation: Horse’s ears facing the east wind

Ignoring advice or criticism; being indifferent to what others say.

24. 狐の嫁入り

Hiragana: きつねのよめいり

Translation: Fox’s wedding

Sunshower; rain while the sun is shining, believed to be when foxes get married.

25. 亀の甲より年の功

Hiragana: かめのこうよりとしのこう

Translation: More valuable than a turtle’s shell, the experience of age

The wisdom and experience gained with age are more valuable than youth.

26. 鳥が鳴かないと山が動かない

Hiragana: とりがなかないとやまがうごかない

Translation: If a bird doesn’t sing, the mountain won’t move

Encouraging others to speak up or take action to initiate change.

27. 猫舌

Hiragana: ねこじた

Translation: Cat’s tongue

Someone who is sensitive to hot or cold food; having a picky palate.

28. 犬も歩けば棒に当たる

Hiragana: いぬもあるけばぼうにあたる

Translation: Even a dog may be hit by a stick if it keeps on walking

In life, one may encounter unexpected challenges or troubles.

29. 蛙の子は蛙

Hiragana: かわずのこはかわず

Translation: A frog’s offspring is a frog

Like father, like son; children inherit traits from their parents.

30. 猫の額

Hiragana: ねこのひたい

Translation: A cat’s forehead

A very small space; a tiny area.

31. 蛇の道は蛇

Hiragana: へびのみちはへび

Translation: A snake’s path is made by a snake

Experts are best suited for a particular task or situation.

32. 獅子身中の虫

Hiragana: しししんちゅうのむし

Translation: A bug inside a lion’s body

A seemingly formidable person or organization with a hidden weakness.

33. 狼少年

Hiragana: おおかみしょうねん

Translation: Wolf boy

A young boy who behaves like a troublemaker or delinquent.

Japanese Idioms About People, Emotions and Feelings

34. 天下り

Hiragana: あまくだり

Translation: To command or dictate, or to descend from Heaven

There’s a practice in Japan so common that it has its own idiomatic name, where bureaucrats are often able to find high-ranking jobs in private firms after retirement. In a way, they’re descending from the heavens to grace us mere mortals with their presence.

35. 出る杭は打たれる

Hiragana: でるくいはうたれる

Translation: The nail that sticks up will be hammered down

The most commonly-known idiom outside of Japan is probably this one, which means that by standing out, you invite criticism.

36. 馬鹿は死ななきゃ治らない

Hiragana: ばかはしななきゃなおらない

Translation: Only death can cure an idiot

Ignorance can’t be cured, according to this idiom. Once an idiot, always an idiot.

37. 一期一会

Hiragana: いちごいちえ

Translation: One opportunity, one encounter

Appreciate every meeting as a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.

38. 石の心を持て

Hiragana: いしのこころをもて

Translation: Have a heart of stone

Be resilient and emotionally strong; endure hardships without losing composure.

39. 口は災いの元  

Hiragana: くちはわざわいのもと

Translation: The mouth is the source of calamity

Be cautious with your words; speaking without thinking can lead to trouble.

40. 人間万事塞翁が馬

Hiragana: にんげんばんじさいおうがうま

Translation: Man proposes, God disposes

The outcome of human affairs is unpredictable; life is full of ups and downs.

41. 涙の河を流す

Hiragana: なみだのかわをながす

Translation: Shedding a river of tears

Expressing intense emotions through tears; crying profusely.

42. 馬の耳に念仏

Hiragana: うまのみみにねんぶつ

Translation: Buddhist prayers in a horse’s ear

Offering advice or wisdom to someone who is not interested or receptive.

43. 恋は盲目

Hiragana: こいはもうもく

Translation: Love is blind

Love can make people overlook flaws or imperfections.

44. 二度あることは三度ある

Hiragana: にどあることはさんどある

Translation: What happens twice will happen three times

If something happens more than once, it’s likely to happen again.

45. 七転び八起き

Hiragana: ななころびやおき

Translation: Fall seven times, get up eight

Persevere in the face of challenges; resilience and determination.

Japanese Idioms About Work and Business

46. 鶏口となるも牛後となるなかれ

Hiragana: けいこうとなるもぎゅうごとなるなかれ

Translation: Rather be a chicken’s beak than an ox’s tail

It’s better to be a leader in a small group than a follower in a large one.

47. 船頭多くして船山に登る

Hiragana: せんどうおおくしてふねやまにのぼる

Translation: Too many boatmen will make the boat climb a mountain

Too many leaders can lead to chaos; a situation where there are too many chiefs and not enough Indians.

48. 初心忘るべからず

Hiragana: しょしんわするべからず

Translation: Do not forget the initial resolution

Stay true to your initial goals and intentions, especially in work.

49. 上には上がいる

Hiragana: うえにはうえがいる

Translation: There is always someone above you

There is always someone more skilled or experienced; there is no end to improvement.

50. 車の車輪、船の船首

Hiragana: くるまのしゃりん、ふねのせんしゅ

Translation: Wheels for cars, bows for ships

Each tool has its own purpose; choosing the right tool for the right job.

51. 火のないところに煙は立たぬ

Hiragana: ひのないところにけむりはたたぬ

Translation: Smoke doesn’t rise without fire

There’s usually some truth behind rumors or suspicions in the workplace.

52. 河童の川流れ

Hiragana: かっぱのかわながれ

Translation: Kappa’s river washed away

Even experts or skilled individuals can fail or make mistakes. Kappa is a “river-child” from Japanese folklore.

53. 鯉の滝登り

Hiragana: こいのたきのぼり

Translation: A carp climbing a waterfall

Achieving something thought to be impossible; overcoming great challenges at work.

54. 三人寄れば文殊の知恵

Hiragana: さんにんよればもんじゅのちえ

Translation: When three people gather, they bring the wisdom of Manjusri

Since Manjusri is a Buddhist figure known for wisdom, this idiom means collective wisdom, or when people collaborate, valuable insights emerge.

Japanese Idioms About Food and Eating

55. 花より団子

Hiragana: はなよりだんご

Translation: Dumplings over flowers

Practicality is more important than aesthetics; substance over style, even in food.

56. 箸にも棒にもかからない

Hiragana: はしにもぼうにもかからない

Translation: Can’t be picked up with chopsticks or with a stick

Something unmanageable or difficult to deal with; a challenging situation.

57. 鰻の寝床

Hiragana: うなぎのねどこ

Translation: An eel’s bed

A cozy or comfortable place; a bed as soft as an eel’s.

58. 米の炊き方を知らない

Hiragana: こめのたきかたをしらない

Translation: Don’t know how to cook rice

Lacking basic skills or knowledge; not knowing something fundamental.

59. 山のような食べ物

Hiragana: やまのようなたべもの

Translation: A mountain-like amount of food

An overwhelming quantity of food; more than one can handle.

60. 天にも昇る気持ち

Hiragana: てんにものぼるきもち

Translation: Feeling like ascending to heaven

An extremely delicious taste; a heavenly culinary experience.

61. 鰻の白焼き

Hiragana: うなぎのしらやき

Translation: Grilled eel without sauce

Something incomplete or missing an essential element.

62. 一汁一菜

Hiragana: いちじゅういっさい

Translation: One soup, one side dish

A simple and modest meal; a frugal approach to eating.

63. 豚に真珠

Hiragana: ぶたにしんじゅ

Translation: Pearls to a pig

Offering something valuable to someone who cannot appreciate or understand its worth.

64. 肉を食えば肉を食われる

Hiragana: にくをくえばにくをくわれる

Translation: If you eat meat, you’ll be eaten by meat

Engaging in a competitive environment; survival of the fittest.

65. 舌先三寸

Hiragana: したさきさんすん

Translation: A three-inch tongue

Speaking diplomatically or tactfully; choosing words carefully.

66. 海老で鯛を釣る

Hiragana: えびでたいをつる

Translation: Catching a sea bream with a shrimp

Achieving something great with minimal resources or effort; an unexpected success.

Japanese Idioms About Travel and Journeys

67. 石の上にも三年

Hiragana: いしのうえにもさんねん

Translation: Three years on a rock

Patience and perseverance lead to success, even in a journey.

68. 千里の道も一歩から

Hiragana: せんりのみちもいっぽから

Translation: A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step

To achieve a grand goal, start with a small and simple step.

69. 目の前の草しか見えない

Hiragana: めのまえのくさしかみえない

Translation: Can only see the grass in front of one’s eyes

Unable to see beyond immediate concerns; lacking a broader perspective.

70. 馬子にも衣装

Hiragana: まごにもいしょう

Translation: Even a horseman wears a coat

Everyone, regardless of status, needs appropriate attire for a journey.

71. 石橋を叩いて渡る

Hiragana: いしばしをたたいてわたる

Translation: Hitting a stone bridge before crossing it

Being cautious and preparing for challenges before facing them during a journey.

72. 一期一会

Hiragana: いちごいちえ

Translation: One opportunity, one encounter

Appreciate every meeting during a journey as a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.

73. 船頭多くして船山に登る

Hiragana: せんどうおおくしてふねやまにのぼる

Translation: Too many boatmen will make the boat climb a mountain

This means that too many leaders, or opinions, can lead to chaos during a journey.

74. 傍目八目

Hiragana: おかめはちもく

Translation: Onlookers see more than players

Observers may have a clearer view of a situation than those directly involved in a journey.

75. 蜻蛉の尾を掴むよう

Hiragana: とんぼのおをつかむよう

Translation: Trying to catch the tail of a dragonfly

Pursuing something elusive or difficult to attain during a journey.

Japanese Idioms About Culture and Customs

76. 魚心あれば水心

Hiragana: うおごころあればみずごころ

Translation: If the fish loves, the water loves

Reciprocity in relationships; if one shows kindness, it will be returned.

77. 十人十色

Hiragana: じゅうにんといろ

Translation: Ten people, ten colors

Everyone is unique; people have their own individuality and preferences in culture and customs.

78. 知らぬが仏

Hiragana: しらぬがほとけ

Translation: Ignorance is bliss

Sometimes, it’s better not to be aware of certain things.

79. 目の敵にする

Hiragana: めのかたきにする

Translation: To make someone an enemy in one’s eyes

Holding a grudge; considering someone an enemy based on cultural differences.

80. 藪から棒

Hiragana: やぶからぼう

Translation: A stick from the bushes

Revealing an unexpected truth; discovering the hidden aspects of culture.

81. 天は自ら助くる者を助く

Hiragana: てんはみずからたすくるものをたすく

Translation: Heaven helps those who help themselves

Taking initiative leads to support and success.

82. 覆水盆に返らず

Hiragana: ふくすいぼんにかえらず

Translation: Spilt water cannot be scooped back

What is done is done; some things cannot be undone.

83. 秋の虫  

Hiragana: あきのむし

Translation: Autumn insect

Someone who excels in a particular field.

You can find many of these Japanese idioms in context in the video library of FluentU.

Why Learn Japanese Idioms?

Japanese is a remarkably concise language. Japanese speakers use idioms to express quite complex ideas in a very simple and memorable way. Through idioms, you can both familiarize yourself with the concise nature of Japanese and get on the fast track to speaking like a native.

You’ll sound more fluent when you throw out a few bites of time-honored wisdom!

Japanese idioms are scattered throughout pop culture. Because pop culture is usually produced with a native Japanese audience in mind, idioms can be used in a wide range of contexts. Knowing a few common idioms can really help you to make sense of what you’re reading or watching.

Proverbs and idioms are an integral part of all languages and cultures, and they play a significant role in Japan. Parents school their children using these phrases and they’re used in all areas of public life in Japan, so Japanese people are intimately familiar with them.

Learning idioms and sayings can help us gain a little more insight into the Japanese culture and mindset from feudal times to the modern day.

Many Japanese idioms express ideas or wisdom that we can apply to our own lives—which is the immersive style of learning that really sticks.

If you want to practice correct pronunciation of Japanese idioms and proverbs, check out this video, which goes over seven top Japanese idioms:

For additional pronunciation practice, Japanese movies and series are great for shadowing, pausing the video and echoing back any idioms as they pop up.

 

So, add these Japanese idioms to your flashcards and you’ll be on your way to speaking with genuine fluency—and wisdom—before you know it!

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)