How to Read “水を得た魚のよう”
Mizu wo eta uo no you
Meaning of “水を得た魚のよう”
“Like fish that obtained water” is a proverb that describes the state of being lively and fully demonstrating one’s original abilities when optimal environment or conditions are in place.
Just like fish swimming freely in water, it refers to a state where a person’s talents and skills are fully utilized, and they are full of vitality, truly “like fish that obtained water.” It encompasses not just happiness, but the meaning that one can demonstrate their true worth precisely in that environment.
The situations where this proverb is used include people who found their ideal workplace after changing jobs, scholars immersed in research in their favorite fields, athletes excelling in sports they’re good at – situations where a person’s characteristics and environment match perfectly. What’s important is not mere satisfaction, but the point that abilities are being drawn out to the maximum. Even today, it’s often used to express the state of people who have found suitable jobs or are devoted to their hobbies, and it’s cherished as an expression that can accurately capture moments when a person truly shines.
Origin and Etymology
The origin of “like fish that obtained water” is thought to be rooted in ancient Chinese philosophical thought. Particularly, the expression “fish swim having obtained water” found in “Mencius” is considered the prototype, born from the metaphor of fish swimming freely in water.
Since ancient times, the relationship between fish and water has been treated as a symbol of ideal harmony. Fish cannot live without water, and they can only demonstrate their original abilities when they have water. This natural principle was applied to human life and situations of ability demonstration, becoming established as a proverb.
In Japan, similar expressions can be seen from around the Heian period, and expressions close to the current form are said to have become common during the Edo period. In documents from that time, it was recorded in classical expressions like “like a fish that has obtained water,” and was often used to describe people demonstrating talent in learning or martial arts.
Behind the long-cherished use of this expression lies the Japanese view of nature. The cultural foundation that values harmony in the natural world and understands the importance of placing the right person in the right position supported the spread of this proverb. It has been passed down as wisdom that expresses the ideal state of humans through the familiar natural phenomenon of fish and water.
Interesting Facts
Fish are actually creatures whose activity levels change dramatically depending on water quality and temperature. In appropriate environments, they swim around surprisingly actively, but if conditions become even slightly poor, their movements become sluggish. This proverb was indeed an accurate metaphor based on biological facts.
Interestingly, there’s also the contrasting expression “a kappa on dry land.” Both are metaphors using the relationship between water and living creatures, but one represents an ideal state while the other represents an inappropriate environment, showing the richness of Japanese expression.
Usage Examples
- Since transferring to the new department, he has been working like fish that obtained water
- Since starting her gardening hobby, mother looks happy every day like fish that obtained water
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the meaning of this proverb has become more multi-layered. With the collapse of the lifetime employment system and job changes becoming commonplace, many people have begun actively searching for “environments that suit them.” The spread of social media has also expanded opportunities for individuals to communicate and excel in their areas of expertise.
The spread of remote work in particular has brought new interpretations to this proverb. Cases have increased where people who couldn’t demonstrate their abilities in offices now excel like fish that obtained water in work-from-home situations. Also, through side jobs and freelance work styles, people with multiple “waters” have emerged.
On the other hand, challenges unique to modern times have also become apparent. There are many people who cannot find environments that suit them because there are too many choices, or who suffer from gaps with reality because they seek too perfect an environment. Also, with the development of AI technology, the conventional concept of “right person in the right place” is changing.
However, the essential value of this proverb remains unchanged. Rather, precisely because diversity is valued in modern times, the importance of each person finding a place where they can shine in their own way is being rerecognized. The importance of compatibility between environment and individual is a universal truth that transcends time.
When AI Hears This
Let’s imagine the moment when a fish that has been on land returns to water. We tend to think “how wonderful that it got water,” but actually the more important question is “why was the fish away from water in the first place?”
According to ichthyological research, the reasons fish leave water are limited: oxygen deficiency, water pollution, escape from predators, or human intervention. In other words, the premise of a “fish that has obtained water” necessarily includes “some external factor that separated the fish from water.”
When we view humans from this reversed perspective, an interesting fact emerges. The moments when we feel “I can finally be myself” actually mean we had been placed in a “state of not being ourselves” for an extended period. For example, a person who works energetically after changing jobs was previously in an environment where they couldn’t demonstrate their true abilities.
Psychologist Maslow stated that humans have a “need for self-actualization,” and situations where this need isn’t fulfilled are precisely the “fish out of water” state. In modern society, the uniform systems of schools and workplaces may be separating many people from their “natural water.”
In other words, “like a fish that has obtained water” may not be an expression of success, but rather words depicting a “return” to where one truly belongs.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches modern people is “the importance of finding a place where you can utilize your true self.” It reminds us of the value of continuing to search for environments where we can truly shine, rather than getting depressed by comparing ourselves with others.
What’s important is not waiting for the perfect environment, but finding small “waters” even in our current location. Possibilities are hidden in daily life too, such as volunteering for new projects at work, consciously making time for hobbies, or participating in volunteer work utilizing your strengths.
Also, when you see others excelling like fish that obtained water, try to view it as a learning opportunity rather than jealousy. By observing why that person is shining and what kind of environment or efforts are leading to their success, you might get hints for finding your own “water.”
Life is a long journey. Even if you feel the current environment doesn’t suit you, that’s not permanent. This proverb teaches us that everyone has their own “water.” Please continue searching for a place where you can shine in your own way – without rushing, but without giving up.
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