How to Read “Calling fire water”
Hi wo mizu ni iinasu
Meaning of “Calling fire water”
“Calling fire water” means using clever words to twist facts into their complete opposite. It describes the act of using language to reverse an obvious truth that anyone can see.
This proverb is mainly used in situations involving fraudulent persuasion or malicious excuses.
For example, someone who is clearly at fault but uses skillful speech to make it seem like the other person is to blame.
Or a con artist who talks people into believing that a defective product is actually top quality. The proverb criticizes such behavior.
Even in modern society, the situations this expression describes are not rare at all.
In an age overflowing with information, techniques for cleverly distorting the truth have become even more refined.
This proverb still holds important meaning today as a warning against such misuse of language.
Origin and Etymology
There are no clear records about the exact origin of this proverb. However, we can make interesting observations from the structure of the phrase.
The distinctive feature is that it uses “fire” and “water,” two elements that are complete opposites.
Fire is hot, water is cold. Fire burns, water extinguishes. Nothing could be more opposite in nature.
Since ancient times in Japan, fire and water have been used as symbols of incompatible existence in various expressions.
The expression “iinasu” is also worth noting. “Nasu” means “to make” or “to create into a certain state.”
So “iinasu” carries the strong meaning of using words to transform something into something else entirely.
The background of this expression likely reflects a deep insight into the power of language.
By manipulating words, humans can sometimes distort truth and argue that black is white.
This dangerous human ability was expressed using the most extreme contrast possible: “fire” and “water.”
Similar expressions appear in documents from the Edo period. This suggests the proverb has a history of at least several hundred years.
Usage Examples
- He blamed his mistake on his subordinate, giving an explanation that was like calling fire water
- The con artist’s methods were sophisticated, calling fire water by selling defective products as high-quality goods
Universal Wisdom
Behind the passing down of the proverb “Calling fire water” lies a deep insight into human duality.
Humans are the only creatures that possess language. That language can be both a tool for conveying truth and a weapon for concealing it.
This proverb sharply points out exactly that danger.
Why do people distort the truth? It involves a complex mix of desires: self-preservation, pursuit of profit, pride, and more.
Not wanting to admit fault. Not wanting to lose. Wanting to gain the upper hand.
These fundamental human desires sometimes take priority over truth itself.
What’s interesting is that this proverb doesn’t just address lying. It focuses on “iinasu,” an active act.
Not passively hiding, but actively transforming. This requires advanced intelligence and calculation.
Human intelligence can be used for both good and evil.
Our ancestors saw through this essential human nature. No matter how much civilization advances or society changes, the temptation to distort truth with words never disappears.
That’s why this proverb continues to sound its warning across the ages.
When AI Hears This
When fire burns, the orderly structure of wood breaks down into heat, smoke, and ash.
This is what physics calls an increase in entropy: a one-way change from “order to disorder.”
Remarkably, this change is an absolute law of the universe. No technology can reverse it.
Let’s look at this with specific numbers. When one kilogram of wood burns, thermal energy of about 1500 degrees disperses into the surroundings.
To gather this dispersed energy and return it to its original wood form would theoretically require many times more energy than was released.
Moreover, complete restoration is fundamentally impossible according to the second law of thermodynamics.
What’s fascinating is that this proverb uses the expression “calling fire water.”
Fire and water aren’t just opposites. They represent differences in energy states.
Fire is high-temperature, active molecular motion. Water is low-temperature, stable state.
Natural transition from high entropy to low entropy occurs, but the reverse does not.
Before humans knew science, they intuitively grasped a fundamental law of the universe through the experience that burned firewood never returns.
This proverb wasn’t speaking metaphorically about irreversibility. It was verbalizing physical law itself.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches modern people is the heavy responsibility of those who receive words.
In modern society overflowing with information, everyone is exposed daily to information that’s like “calling fire water.”
On social media, in news, in advertisements, and even in everyday conversation, the possibility that truth is being distorted always exists.
What’s important is not accepting words that sound pleasant or things we want to believe without critical thinking.
We especially need to be careful with extremely one-sided claims or stories that make someone out to be completely evil.
When someone is saying things as opposite as fire and water, we should develop the habit of pausing to think.
At the same time, this proverb is also a warning to ourselves.
Are we bending facts to suit our own convenience? Are we twisting the truth to make excuses?
Being honest may sometimes bring disadvantages. However, in the long run, words based on truth build something more valuable than anything else: trust in you.
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