A Japanese proverb can offer wisdom and insight into life’s challenges. Whether it’s about taking risks, learning from mistakes, or persevering through hardships, these sayings reflect the values and experiences of Japanese culture. This article explores four fascinating proverbs, their meanings, and the lessons they can teach us today.
You can’t get the tiger’s cub unless you enter the tiger’s cave.
Pronounced koketsu ni irazunba koji wo ezu, this proverb is similar to the English proverb “Nothing ventured, nothing gained”. This means you cannot be successful unless you take risks. The context of the Japanese proverb can be understood by imagining if you want to catch a tiger’s cub. You can wait outside the cave all day and night, but it won’t come out alone or without its mother. So, you must risk entering the cave to get it.
There are various theories about the origin of this Japanese proverb, but many scholars believe it comes from The Book Later Han. Fan Ye and others wrote this book in China in the 5th century. The proverb appears in the biography of the diplomat and explorer Ban Chao who had to battle the Xiongnu.
Ban Chao used this proverb to motivate his subordinates as they prepared for a nighttime attack. His success in battle ultimately demonstrated the truth behind the saying. So, remember this proverb the next time you encounter a challenge and feel hesitant to take a risk. Great rewards often come to those willing to step into the unknown!
Even monkeys fall out of trees.
In a world where many people try to make things perfect, it’s natural that some things don’t go as planned. This Japanese proverb, pronounced saru mo ki kara ochiru, is similar to the English expression “Nobody’s perfect”. Although monkeys are born to climb trees, there are times when they fall, but they get up and try again.
The exact origin of this proverb is unclear. Some scholars believe it probably came from China during the Heian period (794 -1185). However, since monkeys are a common sight in many regions of Japan, it’s easy to see why they became the symbol of this saying.
A few other Japanese proverbs have the same meaning as the monkey proverb. If you like Japanese folklore, you can say, “Even the kappa is flushed away by the river.” Both sayings remind us that everyone makes mistakes, no matter how good they are at something. The important thing is to learn from them and keep going.
Fall down seven times, get up eight.
Like the previous proverb, this saying is all about not giving up and trying again! Pronounced nana korobi, ya oki, this proverb is similar to the English expression “If at first, you don’t succeed, try again”. This proverb can also be understood as the idea that no matter how many times you get knocked down, you get up again. It highlights the importance of staying strong and not giving up when facing difficulties.
Some people might wonder why the proverb says to “get up eight times” after falling seven. Shouldn’t you stand up the same number of times you fall? The extra time comes from the idea that you start from a fallen position. Just like a newborn baby cannot stand up alone and needs help initially, people rely on others when facing difficulties. This shows that stability is about personal strength and accepting support from those around us.
What’s the significance of “seven” and “eight” in Japanese culture?
There is also a reason why the numbers seven and eight are usually specifically in this proverb. In Japan, seven and eight have been considered lucky numbers since ancient times. The number seven is used in rites such as “shichigosan” and traditions “seven herbs” and “seven lucky gods”. Eight is seen as a symbol of success and luck because of its shape.
Nana korobi, ya oki is more than just a saying about not giving up; it reflects a Japanese way of thinking about strength. The numbers seven and eight are not random; they are seen as lucky and represent progress, making the message even stronger. This proverb reminds us that every setback is a chance to grow, and by staying determined, we can keep moving toward success.
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Like throwing money at a cat.
If you saw a cute cat on the street, you wouldn’t just give it money, would you? That’s because cats don’t value human currency; they value delicious treats and belly rubs! Pronounced neko ni koban, this proverb is the cat-version of the English expression “cast pearls before swine”. Although the animal is different, the meaning is the same: you shouldn’t give something to someone who wouldn’t value it.
Although the English proverb first appeared in the Bible, this Japanese proverb is believed to have been made during the Edo period (1603- 1868). Mizushima Shirobee, a writer, had written some hard-to-understand Chinese poetry and overanalyzed it. This made him wonder if it was meaningful, like giving a coin to a cat. Coins back then were koban coins; while they are not used anymore, the proverb keeps the original word.
In the late Edo period, the proverb was in the proverb card game iroha karuta, which children usually play. This made the proverb very popular, particularly in the Kansai region, which caused it to become popular nationally. This proverb is a great way to express when something valuable is wasted on someone who doesn’t appreciate it.
What makes these Japanese proverbs important?
Japanese proverbs are more than just old sayings; they carry valuable lessons reflecting the country’s history, traditions, and thinking. Koketsu ni irazunba koji wo ezu reminds us that success requires risk, just as Ban Chao once told his soldiers before battle. Saru mo ki kara ochiru and nana korobi, ya oki teach us that even the most skilled individuals make mistakes but must keep going.
Finally, neko ni koban humorously warns against offering something valuable to those who won’t appreciate it. Together, these proverbs provide timeless wisdom that remains relevant in Japan and for anyone facing life’s challenges. What’s your favorite proverb? Let us know in the comments below!
