Reading: でるくいはうたれる Translation: The stake that sticks up gets beaten down. Note: This proverb well known to foreigners as a symbol of Japanese “conformity” culture. #japanesequote #japan #studyintokyo #learnjapanese pic.x.com/6kshfc3azf

Reading: そんしてとくとる Translation: Take a loss, make a gain. Meaning: One step back, two steps forward. #japanesequote #japan #studyintokyo #learnjapanese pic.x.com/b82vmrsvja

Reading: あさのなかのよもぎ Translation: A mugwort in the hemp. Meaning: People become like those around them. Explanation: This proverb refers to someone who has been positively influenced by the people around them. #japanesequote #japan #studyintokyo #learnjapanese pic.x.com/alwodrznrs

Reading: にょうぼうとたたみはあたらしいほうがよい Translation: Wives and tatami mats are best when they’re new. #japanesequote #japan #studyintokyo #learnjapanese pic.x.com/fzhh3f7pst

見ぬが花 (minu ga hana) English translation: “Not seeing is a flower,” “Reality is never as good as your imagination” Your imagination builds up the beauty of this flower and the reality doesn’t compare. #japanesequote #japan #studyintokyo #learnjapanese pic.x.com/emhkzvnxxo

二兎を追う者は一兎をも得ず。(nito wo oumono wa itto wo mo ezu.) English translation: “Those who chase two hares won’t even catch one.” When your focus is divided, you’ll fail to succeed at either. #japanesequote #japan #studyintokyo #learnjapanese pic.x.com/9q5exzjauh

案ずるより産むが易し (anzuru yori umu ga yasushi) English Translation: “It’s easier to give birth than to think about it.” Basically, this means “don’t worry about it.” #japanesequote #japan #studyintokyo #learnjapanese pic.x.com/4rdcnopid1

花より団子 (hana yori dango) English Translation: “Dumplings over flowers” or “substance over style” It’s someone who would prefer a practical gift over a beautiful one. Someone who is more pragmatic than superficial. #japanesequote #japan #studyintokyo #learnjapanese pic.x.com/i5sxlndlt5

出る杭は打たれる (derukui wa utareru) English Translation: “The nail that sticks out is struck.” This saying means “When you stick out, you’re likely to get criticized.” #japanesequote #japan #studyintokyo #learnjapanese pic.x.com/nzhwcarj9v

知らぬが仏 (shiranu ga hotoke) English Translation: “Not knowing is Buddha” or “ignorance is bliss” Ignorance is bliss. #japanesequote #japan #studyintokyo #learnjapanese pic.x.com/uoeohrlyr7

口は災いの元 (kuchi wa wazawai no moto) English translation: “The mouth is the source of disaster.” Sometimes, it’s better to not say anything at all. #japanesequote #japan #studyintokyo #learnjapanese pic.x.com/otziicjw8t

水に流す (mizu ni nagasu) English Translation: “The water flows.” This Japanese proverb is like the English expression “water under the bridge.” It means to forgive and forget, and let things go. #japanesequote #japan #studyintokyo #learnjapanese pic.x.com/utlwot1hjn

井の中の蛙大海を知らず (i no naka no kawazu taikai wo shirazu) English Translation: “A frog in a well knows nothing of the sea.” This famous Japanese quote means someone sees the world through their limited perspective. #japanesequote #japan #studyintokyo #learnjapanese pic.x.com/cskfs3uunf

Reading: たていたにみず (tateita ni mizu) Translation: “Like water running down a standing board” Meaning: Speaking fluidly and without hesitation (and without end) / going off on a spiel about something. #japanesequote #japan #studyintokyo #learnjapanese pic.x.com/mnkkyapidr

Reading: ながれにさおさす (nagare ni sao sasu) Translation: “to thrust a pole in the flow” Meaning: to make swift progress in good circumstances. #japanesequote #japan #studyintokyo #learnjapanese pic.x.com/tsmwtgqdwn

Reading: あたらずともとおからず (atarazu to mo tookarazu) Translation: “Not a hit, but not far off.” Meaning: A nearly correct guess. #japanesequote #japan #studyintokyo #learnjapanese pic.x.com/qgruppyrcx

Reading: いっすんさきはやみ (issun saki wa yami) Translation: “One inch forward is darkness” Meaning: The future is unpredictable. #japanesequote #japan #studyintokyo #learnjapanese pic.x.com/s2tslzcoxu

Reading: めにはめを、はにははを (me ni wa me o, ha ni wa ha o) Translation: An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. #japanesequote #japan #studyintokyo #learnjapanese pic.x.com/lo6mxrmqus

Reading: ころんぶすのたまご (koronbusu no tamago) Translation: Columbus’ Egg Meaning: A clever idea. Something simple to copy, but difficult to think of. #japanesequote #japan #studyintokyo #learnjapanese pic.x.com/intfez7epq