This a list of “Kotowaza (諺)” japanese proverbs. There will be about 150 proverbs once the translation is completed.

• Reading : HayaOKi Ha SanMon No Toku
• Hiragana : はやおき　は　さんもん　の　とく
• Translation : Waking up early earns you 3 gold coins.
• English equivalent : The early birds catches the worm.

• Reading : Ishi No Ue Ni Mo San Nen
• Hiragana : いし　の　うえ　に　も　さん　ねん
• Translation : Three years sitting on a stone.
• Meaning : Sitting during three years on a stone will eventually make it warm. Perseverance equals success.
• English equivalents :

• Reading : IsSeki NiChô
• Hiragana : いっせき　にちょう
• Translation : One stone, two birds
• Meaning : achieve two different things at the same time.
• English equivalents : Kill two birds with one stone.

• Reading : Oni Ni KanaBô
• Hiragana : おに　に　かなぼう
• Translation : To give a steel pipe to a demon.
• Meaning : Make a demon (someone) even more dangerous (by giving him a weapon).

• Reading : Saru Mo Ki Kara Ochiru
• Hiragana : さる　も　き　から　おちる
• Translation : Even monkeys fall from the trees.
• Meaning: Everyone can fail or make a mistake, especially those who usually don't.

• Reading : YoRaBa TaiJu No Kage
• Hiragana : よらば　たいじゅ　の　かげ
• Translation : If you seek shelter, look for a big tree.
• Meaning : If you ever have to rely on someone or something, it is better to choose someone or something that is trustworthy.
• English equivalents :

• Reading : Hana YoRi DanGo
• Translation : A meatball rather than a flower.
• Meaning :

1. Above all things, consider the usefulness of something.
2. Not a person of taste.

• English equivalents :

• Reading : Tana KaRa BoTaMochi
• Translation : a rice cake (shape of a peony) off the shelf.
• Meaning : An example of a lucky event.
• English equivalents :

• Reading : くち　は　わざわい　の　かど　（くち　は　わざい　の　もと）
• Pronunciation : Kuchi Wa WazawaI No Kado (Kuchi Wa WazawaI No Moto)
• Translation : Mouth is the gate (origin) of all disasters.
• Meaning : Words are very powerful. One has to be very careful to his words if he does not want to start a dispute.
• English equivalents :

• Reading : Uwasa wo Sureba Kage
• Translation : If you spread rumors (about someone) you will see (that person's) shadow.
• Meaning :
• English equivalents : To mention the wolf's name is to see the same.

• Reading : NoRen Ni UdeOShi
• Translation : A blow in a Noren.
• Meaning : something that is meaningless.
• English equivalents :

1. A shot in the dark

• Note : a 暖簾 (Noren) is a piece of cloth that serves as a sign. It is placed above the entrance of a shop.

• Reading : IsoGaBa MawaRe
• Translation : If you hurry you will end up making circles.
• Meaning : It is better to choose a safe path (well established method), even if it takes considerably more time, rather than dangerous shortcuts.
• English equivalents : Make haste slowly.

• Reading : TadeKuU Mushi Mo SukiZuki
• Translation : Eating some 'Tade' (a very strong spice), event insects have their own preferences.
• Meaning : To each his taste.
• English equivalents : There is no disputing about tastes.

• Reading : Neko Ni KoBan / Buta Ni ShinJu
• Translation : to give gold coins to cats / to give pearls to pigs
• Meaning : used in situation when someone does not show his appreciation just like pigs or cats are not likely to show any form of appreciation to presents such as golden coins or pearls. Even something of great value might not always be appreciated.
• English equivalents : Do not cast pearls before swine.

• Reading : Kabe Ni Mimi ARi, ShôJi Ni Me Ari
• Translation : Shôji (traditional japanese sliding door usually featuring windows made of papers to let the light passes through it) have eyes and walls have ears.
• Meaning : used when talking secretly in an unappropriate place.
• English equivalents : There are always ears on the other side of the wall.

• Reading : WataRi Ni Fune
• Translation : a boat to cross [the river/sea…]
• Meaning : an example of a lifesaving event when in a difficult situation.
• English equivalents : a lifesaver.

• Reading : SuMeBa Miyako
• Translation : Living somewhere, capital/city
• Meaning : it just takes some time to get used to a new life in a new place. Eventually, you will feel at home.
• English equivalents :

• Reading : Inu Mo AruKeBa Bô Ni ATaRu
• Translation : If a dog goes for a walk he will eventually find a rod.
• Meaning : finally suceed to do something after many tries.
• Old Meaning : bad luck (hitting a pole ) can strike at anytime while trying to do something.
• English equivalents : A blind man may sometimes hit the hare.

• Reading : OmoITatTa Ga KichiJitsu
• Translation : when you just thought (about something) is the right day (for it)
• Meaning : The right day to start something is the day when you just thought about doing it.
• English equivalents : Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today.

• Reading : JiGoku De Hotoke
• Translation : a buddha in hell.
• Meaning : being helped by someone when facing a very dangerous/critical situation. A good Samaritan.
• English equivalents :

• Reading : FuruKi Wo TazuNeTe AtaraShiKi Wo ShiRu
• Translation : looking back at the past and learn new things from it.
• Meaning : studying our past help us to understand our future.
• Note : also exists as a 四時熟語 (4 Kanji idiom) : 温故知新 (OnKoChiShin).
• English equivalents :

• Reading : Tonbi Ga Taka Wo UMu
• Translation : A kite (鳶) giving birth to a hawk (鷹).
• Meaning : a example of ordinary parents giving birth to a child prodigy.
• Note : be careful when you use this proverbs as it can be considered as an insult.
• English equivalents : A black hen lays a white egg.

• Reading : Neko Ni KatsuoBushi
• Translation : To give a dry bonito (a fish that becomes as hard as a piece of wood when dried　and usually served as flakes (bonito shavings)) to a cat.
• Meaning : an example of a carelessness : cats (at least the japanese cats) particularly love this fish.
• English equivalents : Trusting the sheep to a wolf.

• Reading : Tama MigaKaZaReBa Hikari NaShi
• Translation : a precious bead only shines if it is brushed.
• Meaning : Even a talented person needs a formation to show his full potential.

• Reading : Mochi Ha Mochi Ya
• Translation : Leave the rice cakes to the rice cake shops.
• English equivalents : Every person to one’s trade.

• Reading : Atsumono Ni KoRiTe Namasu Wo FuKu
• Translation : having one's tongue burnt by some hot meal and you will blow on everything, even (cold) pickles.
• English equivalents : A burnt child dreads the fire.

• Reading : DeMono HareMono Tokoro KiraWaZu
• Translation : fart, pimples, don't mind the place.
• Meaning : something that naturally happens.
• English equivalents : “Nature's call”.

• Reading : SonaEAReBa UreINaShi
• Translation : a careful preparation will avoid you some troubles.
• Meaning : being well prepared can clear out any doubts.
• English equivalents : Save up for a rainy day.

• Reading : KiKu Ha ItToki No Haji, KiKaNu Ha MatsuDai No Haji
• Translation : Asking briefly makes you feel ashamed, not asking will make you feel ashame for the rest of your life.
• Meaning : It is better to ask even if the question seems dumb rather than keeping quiet and regret it later.

• Reading : KaiTou RanMa Wo Tatsu
• Translation : to cut some (messy) linen.
• Meaning : successfully deal with complicated problems.

• Reading : Hebi Ha Sun Ni ShiTe Hito Wo NoMu
• Translation : even a snake of one “Sun” (3.03 cm) can swallow a man.
• Meaning : appearance is misleading.

• Reading : An ZuRu YoRi UMu Ga YaSuShi
• Translation : the delivery (giving birth) is not as painful as one would have thought.
• Meaning : to worry more than needed.
• English equivalents :

• Reading : IshiBashi Wo TataITe WataRu
• Translation : hit a stone bridge before crossing it.
• Meaning : use a lot of caution.
• English equivalents : to walk on eggs.

• Reading : Inu Ga Nishi MuKya O Ha Higashi
• Translation : If a dog faces the West, its tail will point towards East.
• Meaning : something that is evident.

• Reading : KôGen ReiShoku SukuNaShi Jin
• Décomposition :
  1. 巧言 : 巧み (Takumi) “fine, dexterous” ＋言葉 (KotoBa) “words”.
  2. 令色 : 令 (Rei) “something good about” + 色 (Shoku) “color” = to give the best of oneself, to beautify.
• Translation : sweet words in excess, immoral.
• Meaning : someone who is trying to obtain something by flattering others.
• English equivalents :

• Reading : KôKô No ShiTaI JiBun Ni Oya Ha NaShi
• Translation : it is only when your parents pass away that you realize how much you owed your parents.
• Meaning : this is a piece of wisdom for the young teenargers who tend to ignore their own parents.

• Reading : ShôJiki No Kôbe Ni KamiYadoRu
• Translation : Gods inhabit the head of honest people.
• Meaning : it always pays to be honest.

• Reading : JinSei IKi Ni KanZu.
• Translation : Life, Spirit/Morality, depending on, feel = being amazed by the human nature
• Meaning : our actions are usually guided by our heart and it can pretty amazing what is achievable when everyone is acting together.

• Reading : ShiChû Ni Katsu Wo MotoMeRu / ShiChû Ni Sei Wo MotoMeRu
• Translation : wishing life when in a dangerous situation.
• Meaning :
  1. Find a way to save oneself,
  2. take many risks without even thinking about the consequences.
• English equivalents :

• Reading : NasaKe Ha Hito No Tame NaRaZu
• Translation : mercy does not only benefit to others.
• Meaning : someone who can show compassion for someone else will eventually be rewarded.
• English equivalents :

• Reading : TataKeBa Hokori Ga DeRu / TataKeBa Hokori Ga TaTsu
• Translation : just hit it and dust will come out.
• Meaning : everybody has a weak point. It does not take much effort to discover it.

• Reading : ShipPai Ha SeiKô No Moto
• Translation : your failures will lead you to success.
• Meaning : you have to build upon your failures in order to reach your goal.

• Reading : NaRaNu KanNin SuRuGa KanNin
• Translation : it is when your patience is about to snapped that the real challenge begins.
• Meaning : the real challenge is to push away our own limits.

• Reading : Ten Ha Hito No Shita Ni Hito Wo TsuKuRaZu, Hito No Ue Ni Hito Wo TsuKuRaZu
• Translation : God(s) did not create any human above the others or any human below the others.
• Meaning : All humans have equal rights.

• Reading : Ni Do ARu KoTo Ha San Do ARu
• Translation : something that happened twice will happen one more time.
• Meaning : it is very likely that something that happened twice will happen at least a third time.
• English equivalents :

• Reading : TooKuTe ChikaI Ha DanJô No Naka
• Translation : Men and women are at the same time far and close to each other.
• Meaning : A man and a woman are more likely to get together than one would have thought.
• English equivalents : .

• Reading : SanNin YoReBa MonJu No ChiE
• Translation : Three persons getting together will reach the wisdom of Monju.
• Meaning : 文殊 is the abbreviation of 文殊菩薩 (もんじゅぼさつ) “a buddhist character” who represents 知恵 (ChiE) “wisdom”.
• English equivalents :

• Reading : KôSei OsoRuBeShi
• Translation : Redoutable new generation
• Meaning : you should never ignore or under-appreciate your future successor.
• English equivalents :

• Reading : Nuka Ni Kugi
• Translation : a nail in some linen (cereal)
• Meaning : something useless.
• English equivalents :

• Reading : Dai Ha Shô Wo KaNeRu
• Translation : big is small.
• Meaning : something that can do a lot can also do less.
• English equivalents :

• Hiragana : てき　も　さるもの　ひっかくもの
• Reading : Teki Mo SaRuMoNo HikKaKu Mono
• Translation : scratched by a fierce opponent
• Meaning : this proverb is used to acknowledge the victory of one's opponnent.
• English equivalents :

• Hiragana : たたけよ　さらば　ひらかれん
• Reading : TaTaKe Yo SaRaBa HiraKaReN
• Translation : Hit it ! And what can't be opened will be a thing of the past.
• Meaning : to do one's best is the key to success.
• English equivalents :
• Remarque : it seems that this proverb comes from the japanese transcription of Saint-Matthew's testament : 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 7:8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. (Matthew 7, versets 7-8)

• Hiragana : とうりもの　いわざれども　したおのずから　みちをなす
• Reading : TôRi MoNo IWaZaReDoMo ShitaOnoZuKaRa Michi Wo NaSu
• Translation : prune and peach trees don't say a word but path are naturally built near them (because their flowers and fruits attracts people).
• Meaning : people are attracted by smart individuals.
• English equivalents :

• Hiragana : しゅにまじれば　あかくなる
• Reading : Shu Ni MaJiReBa AKaKu NaRu
• Translation : what is mixed with vermilion, becomes red
• Meaning : each of our acquaintances has an impact, good or bad, on us.
• English equivalents : he who touches bitch shall be defiled.

• Hiragana : いきはよいよい　かえりはこわい
• Reading : IKi Ha YoI YoI KaeRi Ha KowaI
• Translation : To go is easy-peasy, coming back is scary.
• Meaning : even if the start of a journey is great, ther is always a chance that something terrible happens.
• English equivalents :

A nursery rhyme : 通りゃんせ (ToRyaNSe) Thanks for this anonymous contribution. 匿名のご参加有難う御座いました

通りゃんせ　通りゃんせ/
(ToRyaNSe ToRyaNSe)

ここはどこの　細道じゃ/
(KoKo Ha DoKoNo HosoMichi Ja)

天神さまの　細道じゃ/
(TenJinSaMa No HosoMichi Ja)

ちっと通して　くだしゃんせ/
(ChotTo TooShiTe KuDaShanSe)

ご用の無いもの　通しゃせぬ/
(GoYou No Nai MoNo TooShaSeNu)

この子の七つの　お祝いに/
(KoNo Ko No NanaTsu No OIwaI Ni)

お札をおさめに　まいります/
(ORei Wo OSaMe Ni MaIRiMaSu)

行きはよいよい帰りは怖い/
(IKi HaYoIYoI KaeRi Ha KowaI)

こわいながらも
(KoWaI NaGaRaMo)

通りゃんせ　通りゃんせ
(ToRyaNSe ToRyaNSe)

• Hiragana : しはおのれをしる　もののためにしす
• Reading : Shi Ha ONoRe Wo ShiRu MoNo No TaMe Ni ShiSu
• Translation : A man of high ethics will give his life to those who can appreciate it.
• Meaning : A man of high ethics will risk everything, including his life, for those who care about him.
• English equivalents :

• Hiragana : なまよい　ほんしょう　たがわず
• Reading : NamaYoI HonShô TagaWaZu
• Translation : someone's personality does not change when drunk.
• Meaning : as the translation says even if this does not seem to be the case most of the time.
• English equivalents :

• Hiragana : きつねとたぬきのばかしあい
• Pronunciation : Kitsune To Tanuki No BaKaShiAI
• Translation : reciprocal mystifications between fox and tanuki.
• Meaning : used when two “smart persons” try to trick each other.
• Note : there is a popular belief that foxes and tanuki are able to disguise as humans to trick us.

• Hiragana : ふくすいぼんにかえらず
• Pronunciation : FukuSuiBon　Ni KaeRaZu
• Translation : spilt water won't go back in the bowl.
• Meaning : is used for something irreversible.
• English equivalents : it is no use crying over spilt milk.

• Hiragana : しかくなざしきをまるくはく
• Pronunciation : ShiKaku Na ZaShiki Wo MaruKuHaKu
• Translation : sweep in circles a squared living room.
• Meaning : an example of a poorly done job.

• Hiragana : てんもう　かいかい　そ　に　して　もらさず
• Pronunciation : TenMô KaIKaI So Ni ShiTe MoRaSaZu
• Translation : nothing gets through the divine net even if the holes seem quite large.
• Meaning : Gods don't oversee the slightest crime.
• English equivalents :

• Hiragana : いつまでも　ある　と　おもう　な　おや　と　かね
• Pronunciation : ITsuMaDeMo ARu To OmoU Na Oya To Kane
• Translation : Thinking that parents and money are eternal.
• Meaning : to rely excessively on one's parents, or spend money without any considerations.
• English equivalents :

• Hiragana : うまのみみにねんぶつ
• Pronunciation : Uma No Mimi Ni NenButsu
• Translation : whisper buddhist sutra in the ear of a horse.
• Meaning : An example of something that has no effect and is therefore useless.
• English equivalents : a nod is as good as a wink (to a blind man).

• Hiragana : いぬにろんご
• Pronunciation : Inu Ni RonGo
• Translation : Read Confucius's writings to a dog.
• Meaning : same as 馬の耳に念仏 (above)

• Hiragana : うさぎにさいもん
• Pronunciation : Usagi Ni SaiMon
• Translation : do a ritual for a rabbit
• Meaning : same as 馬の耳に念仏 (above)

• Hiragana : うしにきょうもん
• Pronunciation : Ushi Ni KyouMon
• Translation : read a sutra to a cow
• Meaning : same as 馬の耳に念仏 (above)

• Hiragana : ならわぬ　きょう　は　よめぬ
• Pronunciation : NaraWaNu Kyô Ha YoMeNu
• Translation : it is impossible to say a sutra without learning it first.
• Meaning : it is natural to experience difficulties whith something that we are not familiar.

• Hiragana : かてば　かんぐん
• Pronunciation : KaTeBa KanGun
• Translation : if we win, imperial army
• Meaning : even if the mean is not fair, in the end the winner will take it all.
• English equivalents :

• Hiragana : まければ　ぞくぐん
• Pronunciation : MaKeReBa ZokuGun
• Translation : if we lose, rebel army
• Note : this is the second part of the previous proverb.
• Meaning : reciprocal of above

• Hiragana : てんしる、ちしる、われしる、ししる
• Pronunciation : Ten ShiRu, Chi ShiRu, Ware ShiRu, Shi ShiRu
• Translation : Celestial God knows, Earth God knows, you know, children know.
• Meaning : it is impossible to keep a crime secret, Gods can see you and sooner than later everybody will know.
• English equivalents :

• Hiragana : しんたい　はっぷ　これ　を　ふぼ　に　うく
• Pronunciation : ShinTai HapPu KoRe Wo FuBo Ni UKu
• Translation : one's own body, from the hairs to the skin, is a present from your parents.
• Meaning : our own body is a precious present from our parents. We should take care of ourselves at least as a mark of respect for our parents.
• English equivalents :

• Hiragana : とらぬ　たぬき　の　かわ　ざんよう
• Pronunciation : ToRaNu Tanuki No Kawa ZanYô
• Translation : to evaluate the value of a Tanuki that is not already hunt.
• Meaning : projects should not be built on uncertain bases.
• English equivalents : Don't count your chickens before they have hatched.

• Hiragana : てんせき　こけ　を　しょうぜず
• Pronunciation : TenSeki Koke Wo ShôZeZu
• Translation : rolling stones don't get covered up with moss.
• Meaning :
  1. Active persons never get caught by the time.
  2. Those who can't focus their efforts on a particular task can't succeed.
• English equivalents :

• Hiragana : やはり　の　に　おけ　れんげそう
• Pronunciation : YaHaRi No Ni OKe RenGeSô
• Translation : It is better to leave Chinese milk vetch in the countryside.
• Meaning : A plant like Chinese milk vetch is even more beautiful when found in its natural environment. The same goes for humans. We only give our best when we are in an adequate environment.
• English equivalents :

• Hiragana : だんじて　おこなえば　きしん　も　これ　を　さく
• Pronunciation : DanJiTe OkonaEBa KiShin Mo Kore Wo SaKu
• Translation : to do something with great determination and even the demons will leave you alone.
• Meaning : great determination avoids you many troubles.
• English equivalents :

• Hiragana : ひゃくぶん　は　いっけん　に　しかず
• Pronunciation : HyakuBun Ha IkKen Ni ShiKaZu
• Translation : a glance is worth a hundred hearsay.
• Meaning : It is better to verify by oneself rather than rely on hearsay.
• English equivalents : seeing is to believe.

• Hiragana : う　の　まね　する　からす
• Pronunciation : U No MaNe SuRu Karasu
• Translation : a crow that mimics a cormorant.
• Meaning : a crow that plunges in the water like a cormorant will inevitably get drown. To try to do like someone else without considering one's own limits is an act bound to fail.
• English equivalents :

• Hiragana : どうびょう　あい　あわれむ
• Pronunciation : DôByô Ai AwaReMu
• Translation : Same disease, show mutual compassion.
• Meaning : Two persons that share the same disease tend to feel compassion for each other.
• English equivalents :

• Hiragana : いたち　の　さいごっぺ
• Pronunciation : ITaChi No SaiGopPe
• Translation : The last fart of the weasel.
• Meaning : When the weasel feel endangered, it farts and runs away. To use one's last resort.
• English equivalents :

• Hiragana : しんで　はなみ　が　さく　もの　か
• Pronunciation : ShiNDe　HanaMi　Ga SaKu MoNo Ka
• Translation : do you really believe that a dead plant will blossom ?
• Meaning : just like a dead plant will never ever give any fruit, when someone dies you just have to let it go and live your own life.
• English equivalents :

• Hiragana : かわいい　こ　に　は　たび　を　させよ
• Pronunciation : KawaI Ko Ni Ha Tabi Wo SaSeYo
• Translation : you should send your cherish children onto a trip.
• Meaning : if one's child / student / partner is “cute”, you should let him face the world by himself so he can understand that life is not that easy.
• English equivalents :

• Hiragana : しずむ　せ　あれば　うかぶ　せ　あり
• Pronunciation : ShizuMu Se AReBa UKaBu Se ARi
• Translation : there are rapids where you and there are rapids where you can swin.
• Meaning : Life is made of good times and bad times.
• English equivalents :
• Notes : the following shortened version also exists : 沈めば浮かぶ (SizuMeBa UKaBu) “if you sunk, you will swim someday”.

• Hiragana : きじょう　の　くうろん
• Pronunciation : KiJô No KûRon
• Translation : empty thought on the desk
• Meaning : used for a project, an idea that only stands in one's head or on a piece of paper.
• English equivalents :

• Hiragana : せんどう　おおく　して　ふね　やま　に　のぼる
• Pronunciation : SenDô OoKu ShiTe Fune Yama Ni NoboRu
• Translation : too many captains would make the boat climbs mountains.
• Meaning : too many managers can destroy a project.
• English equivalents :

• Hiragana : でいちゅう　に　はす
• Pronunciation : DeiChû Ni Hasu
• Translation : a lotus in the mud.
• Meaning : used to talk about someone that succeed despite a less than adequate environment.
• English equivalents :

• Hiragana : ごんべえ　が　たね　を　まき や　からす　が　ほじくる
• Pronunciation : GonBeE Ga Tane Wo MaKi Ya Karasu Ga HoJiKuRu
• Translation : as soon as the farmer finished to sow, crows come to pick the seeds.
• Meaning : an example of a ruined effort.
• English equivalents :

• Hiragana : いし　が　ながれて　こ　の　は　が　しずむ
• Pronunciation : Ishi Ga NagaReTe Ko No Ha Ga ShizuMu
• Translation : stones roll and leaves sink.
• Meaning : something that is illogical. Used when everything goes wrong.
• English equivalents :
• Note : 木 is usually read as Ki but in this proverb it is read Ko.

• Hiragana : かれ　を　しり　おのれ　を　しれば　ひゃくせん　あやう　からず
• Pronunciation : Kare　Wo　ShiRi　Onore　Wo ShiReBa　HyakuSen AYaU KaRaZu
• Translation : to know oneself and to know one's opponent will let you win any (100) battle.
• Meaning : lots of preparation guarantee you to suceed.
• English equivalents :

• Hiragana : いずれ　あやめ　か　かきつばた
• Pronunciation : IZuRe AyaMe Ka KaKiTsuBaTa
• Translation : Iris, as well as kakitsubata (a kind of Iris)
• Meaning : Used in a situation where it is difficult to choose between two exceptional things, just like it is difficult to distinguish an Iris from a Kakitsubata.
• English equivalents :

• Hiragana : どろぼう　を　みて　なわ　を　なう
• Pronunciation : DoroBô Wo MiTe NaWa Wo TaU
• Translation : saw a robber, start twisting a rope.
• Meaning : To start twisting a rope to tie a robber is meaningless. By the time the rope is done, the robber has already left the house. This proverb is used when a measure to avoid a problem is about to be taken while the problem already occured.
• English equivalents :

• Hiragana : かんにん　ぶくろ　の　お　が　きれる
• Pronunciation : KanNin Bukuro No O Ga KiReRu
• Translation : The string of the “patience bag” snapped.
• Meaning : used when someone's patience has snapped.
• English equivalents :

• Hiragana : しょうじん　かんきょ　して　ふぜん　を　なす
• Pronunciation : ShôJin KanKyo ShiTe FuZen Wo NaSu
• Translation : lazyness is the mother of all vices.
• Meaning :
• English equivalents : idle hands are the devil's workshop.

• Hiragana : ごまめ　の　はぎしり
• Pronunciation : GoMaMe No Ha GishiRi
• Translation : “japanese anchovies”' gnash.
• Meaning : to make a lot of fuss for nothing.
• English equivalents : that's of no use.

• Hiragana : にがした　さかな　は　おおきい
• Pronunciation : NiGaShiTa Sakana Ha OoKiI
• Translation : the fish that one let go is a big fish
• Meaning : about the fact that most people tend to over exaggerate (like the size of a fish one was about to fish). Care too much about a missed opportunity that is eventually not worth it.
• English equivalents :