Japanese Idioms and Phrases: A Guide to Colloquial Expressions89

Japanese is a language rich in idiomatic expressions, known as kotowaza or gengo. These phrases are an essential part of the language, adding depth and nuance to everyday speech. Understanding and using idioms correctly can greatly enhance your communication skills and provide a deeper understanding of Japanese culture.

Here are 15 common Japanese idioms and phrases to help you get started:

1. 馬耳東風 (bama tōfū)

Meaning: To ignore or pretend not to hear something.

Example: 上司が怒っていても、彼女は馬耳東風だった。(Even though her boss was angry, she pretended not to hear him.)

2. 蛙の面に水 (kaeru no kao ni mizu)

Meaning: To put on a brave face even when you're feeling down.

Example: 失敗しても、彼はいつも蛙の面に水をしていた。(Even though he failed, he always kept a brave face.)

3. 清水の舞台から飛び降りる (shimizu no butai kara tobioriru)

Meaning: To do something daring or risky.

Example: 新しい仕事に就くのは、清水の舞台から飛び降りるようなものだった。(Starting a new job was like jumping off the 清水の舞台 (Shimizu stage).) (A historical stage in Kyoto known for its high jump)

4. 千里の道も一歩から (senri no michi mo ippo kara)

Meaning: Even the longest journey starts with a single step.

Example: ダイエットを始めるのは千里の道も一歩からだ。(Starting a diet is like a long journey that starts with a single step.)

5. 井の中の蛙大海を知らず (i no naka no kawazu taikai o shirazu)

Meaning: A person with limited knowledge or experience.

Example: 海外旅行をしたことがない人は、井の中の蛙大海を知らずだ。(Someone who has never traveled overseas is like a frog in a well that doesn't know the vastness of the ocean.)

6. 急がば回れ (isogaba maware)

Meaning: Haste makes waste; it's better to take your time and do things correctly.

Example: 今急いで仕事を終わらせようとして、間違いをしてしまった。(I tried to rush through my work now and made mistakes.)

7. 石橋を叩いて渡れ (ishibashi o tataku te watare)

Meaning: To be cautious and well-prepared before taking action.

Example: 大事な決定をする時は、石橋を叩いて渡るように慎重に検討した。(When making important decisions, I carefully consider them as if I were tapping stones to make sure they are firm.)

8. 上には上がいる (ue ni wa ue ga iru)

Meaning: There's always someone better.

Example: どんなに頑張っても、上には上がいる。(No matter how hard I try, there will always be someone better.)

9. ない袖は振れない (nai sode wa furenai)

Meaning: You can't do something that's beyond your means.

Example: お金がないのに、豪華な旅行には行けない。(You can't go on a luxurious trip if you don't have the money.)

10. 時は金なり (toki wa kin nari)

Meaning: Time is money.

Example: 早く仕事を終わらせて、遊びに行きたい。(I want to finish my work quickly so I can go out and play.)

11. 雨降って地固まる (ame furu te ji katamaru)

Meaning: A difficult time can make a relationship or situation stronger.

Example: 嵐を乗り越えた後、二人の絆はより強固になった。(After overcoming the storm, the bond between the two became stronger.)

12. 猿も木から落ちる (saru mo ki kara ochiru)

Meaning: Even the experts make mistakes sometimes.

Example: どんなに上手な人でも、失敗することはある。(Even the most skilled people make mistakes.)

13. 過ぎたるは及ばざるが如し (sugitaru wa oyobazaru ga gotoshi)

Meaning: Too much of a good thing can be as bad as not enough.

Example: 食べ過ぎは健康に良くない。(Eating too much is not good for your health.)

14. 猫に小判 (neko ni koban)

Meaning: To give something valuable to someone who doesn't appreciate it.

Example: 高級なプレゼントをあげても、価値がわからない人には猫に小判だ。(Giving a luxurious gift to someone who doesn't understand its value is like giving a gold coin to a cat.)

15. 好機逸すべからざるなり (kōki itsubesukarazaru nari)

Meaning: A good opportunity should not be missed.

Example: この仕事を逃がしたら、次のチャンスはいつ来るかわからない。(If I miss this job opportunity, I don't know when the next one will come.)

Japanese idioms and phrases are a fascinating and integral part of the language. Mastering these expressions will not only enhance your communication skills but also provide you with a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and mindset.

2024-11-18

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