Japanese Conversation · Level 35
90 words
Japanese word
ことわざ
Pronunciation
Romajikotowaza
Meaning
- nounproverb
Example
これは有名なことわざです。ko re wa yū mei na ko to wa za de su
This is a famous proverb.
More examples
祖父は会話の中でよくことわざを使います。so fu wa kai wa no naka de yo ku ko to wa za o tsuka i ma su
My grandfather often uses proverbs in conversation.
Core concept
A ことわざ (kotowaza, "proverb") turns an observation about life into a concise expression that people can repeat and share.
Common phrases
ことわざを使うko to wa za o tsuka u
use a proverb
ことわざの意味ko to wa za no i mi
the meaning of a proverb
ことわざを覚えるko to wa za o obo e ru
learn a proverb
Similar words
格言kakugen: A concise statement that expresses a general truth or rule for conduct.
慣用句kanyōku: A fixed phrase with an established meaning, often used as part of a sentence.
Definition in Japanese
世の中の経験から得た教訓や知恵を、覚えやすい形で言い表した言葉。yo no naka no kei ken ka ra e ta kyō kun ya chi e o obo e ya su i katachi de i i arawa shi ta koto ba
Word origin
The Japanese noun ことわざ (kotowaza, "proverb") combines こと (koto, "word or matter") with わざ (waza, "act or work"), suggesting a meaningful act carried out through words.
Usage tips
- English speakers often introduce a proverb with "As the saying goes," even when they do not know who first said it, which reflects the traditional nature of ことわざ (kotowaza).
Other meanings
- sayingnoun