In Japan, there are many proverbs (諺 [Kotowaza]) that teach life lessons and the way human beings should be, which have been handed down from generation to generation. Do you have a favorite Japanese proverb? If you don’t, pick one here.
雨だれ石を穿つ “Raindrops make holes in the stone.”
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急がば回れ “If you’re in a hurry, take a detour.”
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思い立ったが吉日 “The day you decide to do something is the best day to do it.”
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悪事千里を走る “Bad news travels fast.”
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灯台下暗し “It is dark under the lamp post.”
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人のふり見て我がふり直せ “Watch other people’s behavior and fix your own behavior.”
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_lossy,ret_img,w_900,h_600/https://japandictionary72.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Japanese-Proverb.png)
笑う門には福来る “Fortune comes to those who smile.”
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_lossy,ret_img,w_900,h_600/https://japandictionary72.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/8.png)
Did you find your favorite proverb? If you have any other proverbs you’d like to see listed, let us know on our Twitter!