Hi everyone,
I enjoy idioms as something very cultural but seldom used. This is especially the case in the increasingly common multicultural environments where language is generally simplified to ensure understanding and communication. Every now and then, I find an English speaker who uses many idioms throughout the day and I find it humourous because they are so uncommon yet express the idea or association rapidly with meaning.
Of course I have found lists of Japanese idioms online, but I am looking for the idioms that all Japanese know and that are the most meaningful and most commonly used. English examples are: 1) a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, 2) six of one half a dozen the other, 3) the nail that sticks out gets hammered down, 4) like playing horseshoes and hand grenades, 5) there's more than one way to skin a cat, etc.
Can you share the most useful/understood Japanese idioms? Bonus points for antiquated idioms such as #4 & #5.
Cheers,
Pete
I recommend this Japanese idiom.
・郷に入っては郷に従え(Gou ni haitteha gou ni sitagae)
meaning:When in Rome do as the Romans do. When in Rome do as the Romans do.
If your Japanese friend ask you, "Can you eat Japanese food?" and you can said "Yes. Gou ni haitteha gou ni sitagae (郷に入っては郷に従え) desukara."
Please try using it.
猫の手も借りたい
= very busy
月とスッポン
= comparing two big different things.
How do you like them? Too easy for you?
Maybe it's just right, thank you! I don't know any kanji yet so if these are 'easy' it might be a good start. Do you have the literal translation as well, like, "cat ate mouse, dog eats cat."
