Japanese Proverbs and Sayings

by Daniel Crump Buchanan

The proverbs and sayings of a people are the best source for understanding their national character. This collection of Japanese proverbs and sayings, the first published in English, provides insight into the complex and, to Westerners, often baffling tenets of Japanese civilization. Here are 2,500 proverbs and idiomatic expressions that have been selected as illustrations of Japanese thought. Many have English parallels, but even after reading the apparently uniquely Japanese sayings, one must agree with the proverb, "Ninjo ni kokkyo nashi," "There are no barriers to human nature."

Genres: Japan, Japanese Literature, Reference, Language

296 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1973

Reviews

[Manny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is the book I used to have - someone borrowed it and I never got it back. I read it many times. Here are some of my favourites, in English translation.

To sumo-wrestle with another's loin-cloth.

If they succeed, a revolutionary army. If they fail, a bunch of terrorists.

Children: pain. No children: also pain.

The soul of the three year old child remains the same even if he lives to be a hundred.

I prefer other men's women but my own toilet.

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! I enjoy this book. It will be on my constant companion list for a very long time.

[HonokaAndo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a book which I read. I couldn't find a book which I read.
The title is Inspirational Proverbs and Sayings. The author is Lebbeca Milner.
1. level 3
2. July 13: 50 min July 14: 15 min July 15: 30 min
3. sayings, good , inspie,poem, Japanese,motivate, good
4. a) There are 100 Inspirational proverbs and sayings. It includes Japanese translation. In addition, it is written how to use the phrase.
b) I like the sayings ”Time is money”. Time pasts so early. I don't want to waste precious time. This book is very good. It motivates me. I like sayings and poem because it give me power.

[Cortez_jk · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this book, a read a few pages every other day. I really likes the origins from each saying and how some were adapted into Japanese culture =)
im always more curious about where/how a saying is started, this helped =D

[LP · Rating 4 out of 5]

interpersonal nosiness, not curiosity