Japanese proverbs

by Eiichi Arai


1. Washing while the demon off.
Meaning: While the demon off, you wash their clothes. You are apt to do something while someone who is an obstacle for you to do it off.
English: When the cat is away, the mice will play.

2. Study hard, play much.
Meaning: Boys should play as much as study.
English: All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.

3. Attack is the only way to win her heart.
Meaning: If you would like to win her heart, you should ask her to date you, and send her love letters over and over again.
English: A faint heart never won a fair lady.

4. Getting up early gives you three mons.
Meaning: If you get up early in the morning, you will get three mons(unit of Japanese old money).
English: The early bird catches the worm.

5. Seeing is better than hearing a hundred times.
Meaning:If you would like to understand something, you should not hear but see it. Seeing is the best way to understand it.
English: To see is to believe.

6. The tip of stick not to fall down.
Meaning: You walk finding your way with your stick in order not to fall down. You should consider carefully before you do something.
English: Look before you leap .