ことわざ

• Reading: ことわざ
• Romaji: kotowaza
• Kanji breakdown: 諺 (gen/kotowaza) — proverb (kanji rarely used; typically written in hiragana)
• Pronunciation: /ko.to.wa.za/

Meaning

Proverb; saying; adage. A short, well-known expression of practical wisdom.

A noun referring to traditional sayings passed down through generations. Japanese proverbs often draw on nature, animals, and daily life. While the kanji 諺 exists, the word is almost always written in hiragana. Common examples include 猿も木から落ちる (even monkeys fall from trees) and 七転び八起き (fall seven times, stand up eight).

Examples

1. 日本にはたくさんの面白いことわざがある。 Japan has a lot of interesting proverbs.
2. おばあちゃんがよくことわざを使って教えてくれた。 My grandmother often used proverbs to teach me things.
3. このことわざの意味を知っていますか。 Do you know the meaning of this proverb?

Usage Guide

Context: education, culture, conversation

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From 言 (word, speech) and わざ (skill, art). Originally meant 'the art of words' — skilled expressions that encapsulate wisdom. The kanji form 諺 uses 言 (speech) with 彦 (accomplished man).

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal