Japanese Proverbs
To give gold coins to a cat.
Giving a gift to someone who can't appreciate it.
The rice has become porridge.
What’s done is done.
To play the violin for the buffalo to listen to.
Talking to a brick wall. (The person you are speaking to does not listen)
You don’t see the forest from only one tree.
Sometimes you have to step back and take a look at the bigger picture.
The robe does not make a monk a monk.
Don’t judge a book by its cover.
A monk for (just) three days.
Giving up at the first sign of difficulty.
Drinking water while diving.
Multitasking, doing more than one thing at the same time.
To escape from the tiger and then facing the crocodile.
When you get out of one problem, but find yourself in a worse situation.
People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.
You shouldn’t criticize someone if you yourself are the same.
He/she who lives, shall see.
This phrase is usually used when an outcome is unpredictable or uncertain, like in the English “the future will tell.”
After the rain, the earth hardens.
Adversity builds character.
After a storm, things will stand on more solid ground than they did before.
The fruit falls near the tree.
Son’s or daughter’s nature resembles their parents.
Putting a gold leaf on the back of the Buddha image.
Doing something good without seeking for attention.
It is possible that too many cooks ruin one broth.
It can ruin the situation when too many people get involved.
You should never say, ‘Fountain, I will never drink your water!’
Never say never.
Wake from death and return to life.
To come out of a desperate situation and make a complete return in one sudden burst.
A peanut that forgets its shell.
Someone who forgets or doesn’t want to acknowledge his family/friends once he becomes successful.
Make haste when the water rises.
If you have an opportunity to do something, do it before it's too late.
One hand washes the other.
If you help someone they will return the favor.
Do well and let them speak.
Do your work well and don't mind the critics.
Thunderclap from a clear sky.
A complete surprise.
A person who gets the liver but still ask for the heart.
Refers to situation when someone becomes generous to someone but then he demands even more.
Splitting a hard wood with an axe.
To speak frankly about something, even if it is unpleasant.
The mouse doesn’t bite any threads.
That’s how it is, you can't change it. (You can't change what is)
One nail drives out another.
Life goes on.