to be pointed at behind one's back – to be spoken ill of by others
Criticized behind one's back, not dared to be confronted – an idiom describing the feeling of being judged or gossiped about secretly.
→ Used when someone is gossiped about or has a bad reputation in society.
塵も積もれば山となる
[chiri mo tsumoreba yama to naru]
Dust accumulated can become a mountain – small things add up to greatness.
Even something as small as a speck of dust, if gathered enough, can form a high mountain. This proverb advises that persistence, even in small amounts, will eventually yield great results.
→ Used to encourage consistent daily effort.
八方美人
[happōbijin]
Eight-direction beauty – pleasing everyone
Refers to someone who tries to satisfy everyone, often lacking their own opinion.
→ Used to criticize indecisiveness or ambiguity in relationships.
ひと旗あげる
[hitohata ageru]
raise one's own flag – to be independent, to build a successful career
Similar to a general raising his own banner – this idiom refers to building a career by oneself.
→ Used when someone starts a business or achieves success through their own abilities.
ひとり相撲を取る
[hitori zum]
Wrestling sumo alone – doing it yourself, getting tired yourself
This idiom refers to handling everything alone, with no cooperation from others, leading to self-exhaustion.
→ Used when someone takes on all the work or acts unilaterally.
石の上にも三年
[ishi no ue nimo sannen]
Sitting on a rock for three years – perseverance will eventually lead to success.
Even if the rock is cold and hard, if you persist in sitting for a long time, you will adapt.
→ Used to encourage patience in studying, work, and life.
十人十色
[jūnintoiro]
Ten people, ten colors – each person has their own style
Everyone has their own personality and preferences – this idiom emphasizes diversity and individuality.
→ Used when referring to differences in thinking, taste, or lifestyle.
二枚舌を使う
[nimaijita wo tsukau]
double-tongued – speaking with two mouths, deceitful
Like a snake with two tongues – refers to a cunning person who says one thing and does another.
→ Used to criticize someone who is fickle or breaks promises.
二の足を踏む
[ni no ashi wo fumu]
the second step falters – hesitation
The first step is intended, but the next step hesitates – describes a state of hesitation before taking action.
→ Used when talking about indecision or lack of determination.
女三人寄れば姦しい
[onna sannin yoreba kashimashii]
Three women together make noise – a crowd easily becomes chaotic.
The character 姦 consists of three 女 (woman) characters – this idiom implies that when women gather, they tend to talk a lot and cause confusion.
→ Used half-jokingly to refer to a noisy, talkative crowd, sometimes with a gender-discriminatory nuance.
三人寄れば文珠の知恵
[sannin yoreba monju no chie]
Three people together have the wisdom of a Bodhisattva – a group always finds a good solution.
Even if they are just ordinary people, when three unite, they can come up with clever ideas like Manjushri Bodhisattva.
→ Used to emphasize the strength of teamwork and encourage group discussion.
すし詰め
[sushizume]
Packed like sushi – cramped and crowded
Sushi is often tightly packed in a box – this idiom refers to situations that are crowded and jam-packed.
→ Used when talking about trains, meeting rooms, or events with too many people.
穴があったら入りたい
[ana ga attara hairitai]
want to crawl into a hole – so embarrassed you want to disappear
An extreme feeling of shame to the point of wanting to vanish from the world.
→ Used when making a big mistake in front of others or feeling deeply humiliated.
石橋をたたいて渡る
[ishibashi wo tataite wataru]
Knock on the stone bridge before crossing – extremely cautious
The stone bridge is sturdy, but you still have to knock to check – an idiom describing someone who is extremely careful.
→ Used to refer to meticulous people who do nothing unless they are certain.
草分け
[kusawake]
pioneer – trailblazer
Refers to the first person to explore a field, paving the way for others to follow.
→ Used to describe a 'trailblazer' or pioneer in a profession or industry.
おのぼりさん
[onoborisan]
person going to the capital – a country visitor coming to the city for the first time
Refers to someone from the countryside visiting Tokyo for the first time, often looking around curiously and easily recognized.
→ Used with a slightly ironic tone about naivety in the city.
