Tukuk-OS🗣️ Proverbs of Japan
Asia · 4 traditional sayings
Japan contributes 4 proverbs to this collection. A country’s sayings reveal what its people prize most. See the full profile of Japan for its geography, languages and history.
出る杭は打たれる
deru kuri wa utareru
“The nail that sticks out gets hammered down”
Standing out from the group invites criticism — a warning about conformity in society.
石の上にも三年
ishi no ue ni mo san nen
“Even on a stone, three years”
Sit on a cold stone for three years and it will warm — patience and persistence turn even the most uncomfortable start into success.
急がば回れ
isogaba maware
“If you are in a hurry, go the long way round”
The safe, careful route is usually the fastest to arrive by — haste makes waste.
七転び八起き
nanakorobi yaoki
“Fall seven times, stand up eight”
Resilience matters more than never failing: get back up one more time than you fall.
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