Japanese Proverbs

Famous Japanese sayings in the form of proverbs that have been passed down for generations.

One who smiles rather than rages is always the stronger.
Japanese Proverb

Fall seven times, stand up eight.
Japanese Proverb

The tongue is but three inches long, yet it can kill a man six feet high.
Japanese Proverb

Laughter cannot bring back what anger has driven away.
Japanese Proverb

If you believe everything you read, better not read.
Japanese Proverb

Knowledge without wisdom is a load of books on the back of an ass.
Japanese Proverb

The absent get further off every day.
Japanese Proverb

A single arrow is easily broken, but not ten in a bundle.
Japanese Proverb

Even a sheet of paper has two sides.
Japanese Proverb

Wisdom and virtue are like the two wheels of a cart.
Japanese Proverb

The smallest good deed is better than the grandest good intention.
Japanese Proverb

We learn little from victory, much from defeat.
Japanese Proverb

Getting money is like digging with a needle. Spending it is like water soaking into the sand.
Japanese Proverb

Life without endeavor is like entering a jewel-mine and coming out with empty hands.
Japanese Proverb

It is a blessing in disguise.
Japanese Proverb

The day you decide to do it is your lucky day.
Japanese Proverb

When you're thirsty it's too late to think about digging a well.
Japanese Proverb

If you understand everything, you must be misinformed.
Japanese Proverb

Virtue is not knowing but doing.
Japanese Proverb

Money grows on the tree of persistence.
Japanese Proverb

Adversity is the foundation of virtue.
Japanese Proverb

One kind word can warm three winter months.
Japanese Proverb

While we consider when to begin, it becomes too late.
Japanese Proverb

Even a thief takes ten years to learn his trade.
Japanese Proverb

First things first.
Japanese Proverb

An accomplishment sticks to a person.
Japanese Proverb

Vision with action is a daydream; action without vision is a nightmare.
Japanese Proverb