How to Read “烏の行水”
Karasu no gyōzui
Meaning of “烏の行水”
“Crow’s quick bath” is a proverb that describes taking an extremely short bath.
Drawing a comparison to the swift movements of a crow when it bathes in water, this expression describes how a person gets out of the bath immediately after getting in. This proverb is mainly used to refer to a bathing style where one washes their body and finishes quickly without soaking leisurely in the bathtub. As for usage scenarios, it’s often used to express mild surprise or exasperation at the short bathing time of family members or close acquaintances. Sometimes it carries the sentiment of “what a waste of the hot water we prepared.” Even today, it’s used to describe the bathing habits of people who only take showers or get out immediately even when they do soak in the bathtub.
Origin and Etymology
The origin of “Crow’s quick bath” comes from a proverb born from the bathing habits of crows. Crows are known as birds that actually do bathe in water, but when you observe them, it’s characteristic that they finish in a very short time.
This expression, which remains recorded in Edo period literature, tells us that people of that time closely observed crow behavior. Crows are highly vigilant birds, and they become particularly vulnerable at water sources, so they have the habit of quickly finishing their water bath and moving to a safe location. This natural behavioral pattern became established as a metaphor for expressing the brevity of human bathing time.
What’s interesting is the historical background of when this proverb was born. For common people in the Edo period, bathing wasn’t as routine as it is today. Even in urban areas where public baths were widespread, there wasn’t a habit of bathing daily, and bathing time was relatively short. In such circumstances, when expressing particularly short bathing times, the behavior of familiar crows was brought up as a comparison.
In the process of becoming established as a word, the image of crows’ nimble and practical water bathing became synonymous with humans’ quick bathing style.
Interesting Facts
Crows are actually surprisingly fond of water bathing, and when observing wild crows, you can see them spreading their wings and carefully bathing in puddles or shallow rivers. However, due to their vigilance against natural enemies, they do indeed tend to finish in a short time.
In Edo period public baths, the “first bath” was the hottest, and it was common for ordinary people to quickly enter the hot water and get out. The habit of soaking leisurely in lukewarm water as we do today is relatively new.
Usage Examples
- My son takes a crow’s quick bath, coming out without hardly soaking in the bathtub I took the trouble to warm up
- I’m always surprised by my husband’s crow’s quick bath style, but it certainly saves on utility costs
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, “Crow’s quick bath” has come to take on new meanings with the changing times. This expression, which was often used with negative connotations like “wasteful” or “too hasty” in the past, is not necessarily viewed that way anymore.
With growing environmental awareness, short bathing times are increasingly valued as eco-friendly behavior that leads to conservation of water resources and electricity or gas. Particularly among young people living alone, the “Crow’s quick bath” style of just taking showers has become mainstream, and this is accepted as a rational lifestyle habit.
Moreover, for busy modern people, a bathing style that emphasizes time efficiency is also a practical choice. People who take morning showers before going to work, those who quickly rinse off sweat after exercising at the gym – purpose-driven short bathing has become part of modern lifestyle.
On the other hand, with the rise of health consciousness, the benefits of leisurely bathing are also being reconsidered. Since the merits of long bathing such as relaxation effects, improved blood circulation, and stress relief have been scientifically proven, it’s now widely known that there are benefits that cannot be obtained from a “Crow’s quick bath.”
Thus in modern times, this proverb tends to be used more neutrally, not as a mere critical expression, but as one of various bathing styles.
When AI Hears This
Few proverbs have undergone such a complete 180-degree reversal in evaluation across different eras as “karasu no gyōzui” (crow’s bath). For people in the Edo period, bathing wasn’t merely about maintaining cleanliness—it was precious time to heal the day’s fatigue and reset both body and mind. During the golden age of public bathhouse culture, quick, hurried bathing was frowned upon as “impatient and lacking in refinement” and “careless behavior that shows no respect for one’s own body.”
Yet in modern society, this “crow’s bath” style of bathing is actually considered ideal. According to Ministry of the Environment surveys, a 10-minute shower consumes approximately 120 liters of water, while filling a bathtub requires about 200 liters. Short bathing sessions clearly offer superior water conservation benefits. Moreover, for busy modern people, reducing bath time has become a valuable “life hack” for creating precious extra time in their schedules.
This reversal of values tells the story of society’s shift from “leisure-focused” to “efficiency and sustainability-focused” priorities. The same behavior can be labeled either “lazy” or “wise” depending on the value standards of its era. “Karasu no gyōzui” serves as a fascinating example of how profoundly our values are influenced by the times we live in.
Lessons for Today
What “Crow’s quick bath” teaches modern people is the meaning of cherishing one’s own pace. While this proverb may seem like an expression that ridicules short bathing times, it actually makes us think about accepting diversity.
Each person has their own different rhythm. Some people want to soak leisurely in the bathtub and reflect on their day, while others want to finish quickly and make effective use of other time. Both are correct choices, and what’s important is finding a style that feels comfortable for oneself.
In modern society, we’re required to balance efficiency with richness. Sometimes it’s necessary to act quickly like a “Crow’s quick bath,” while other times we should take our time and work on things thoroughly.
This proverb also teaches us the importance of understanding and accepting others’ pace. Rather than criticizing family or friends for taking a “Crow’s quick bath,” we should recognize that each person has their own reasons and values. Such a warm perspective becomes the foundation for building better human relationships. It would be wonderful if you too could cherish your own pace while cultivating a heart that accepts the diversity of others.
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