Original Japanese: 物は試し (Mono wa tameshi)
Literal meaning: Things are trial
Cultural context: This proverb reflects Japan’s cultural emphasis on experiential learning and careful evaluation before making judgments, rooted in the Buddhist concept that direct experience leads to true understanding. The saying connects to Japanese customs like trying small samples before purchasing (from food to cosmetics), the practice of trial periods in employment, and the cultural value of gaining hands-on knowledge rather than relying solely on theory. The imagery suggests that physical interaction with objects or experiences provides more reliable knowledge than assumptions, which resonates in a culture that highly values craftsmanship, attention to detail, and the wisdom gained through patient observation and practice.
How to Read Things are Trial
mono wa tameshi
Meaning of Things are Trial
“Things are trial” is a proverb meaning that it’s important to actually try doing something first in any situation.
Things that you can’t understand just by thinking about them in your head become clear when you actually take action. It expresses that even in situations where you don’t know if you’ll succeed, there’s value in trying anyway. This proverb is often used in situations where you want to encourage someone who is hesitating.
It shows a very positive attitude of trying to verify the true value of things through practice rather than relying only on theory or speculation. It’s a saying that teaches us the importance of taking that first step rather than doing nothing out of fear of failure. Even today, it’s beloved by many people as words of encouragement when taking on new challenges.
Origin and Etymology of Things are Trial
Regarding the origin of “Things are trial,” the current situation is that no clear documentary evidence has been found. However, when considering how this proverb came to be, it’s thought to be an expression born from the practical wisdom of the Japanese people.
The word “things” here refers to “matters” or “affairs,” which is a usage that has been widely used in Japanese since ancient times. “Trial” is a noun form meaning “to try” or “to actually do something,” which is also an old Japanese way of expression.
When examining literature from the Edo period, similar expressions can be found scattered throughout, so it’s likely that this was already being used among common people during that era. People of that time valued the attitude of first trying things in practice rather than theory when it came to new techniques and methods.
Particularly in the world of craftsmen, when masters passed down techniques to their apprentices, the teaching method of “first, try doing it” was common. This cultural background that emphasized practice is thought to have been the foundation that gave birth to the proverb “Things are trial.” It has also been included in dictionaries since the Meiji period and has been an expression beloved by Japanese people for a long time.
Usage Examples of Things are Trial
- I’m curious about a new recipe, so things are trial – let me try making it
- If you’re unsure about changing jobs, things are trial – why don’t you try going to an interview
Modern Interpretation of Things are Trial
In modern society, the spirit of “Things are trial” has come to hold even more important meaning than before. In our information society, countless pieces of information and reviews overflow on the internet, but you can’t understand true value just by reading them.
Especially in the field of digital technology, new apps and services appear one after another. Even if you read reviews or watch introductory videos, you can’t really judge whether something truly suits you unless you actually try using it yourself. The fact that free trials and trial periods are provided is exactly an example of how the “Things are trial” way of thinking is being applied in modern times.
On the other hand, it’s also said that fear of failure has grown stronger in modern society. The possibility of failures being spread on social media and perfectionist tendencies might be making people overly cautious. However, it’s also true that the attitude of startup companies to “first make something and put it out in the market” and the idea of “learning from failure” are gaining attention.
Precisely because we live in modern times where life choices have diversified – side jobs, career changes, taking on new hobbies – the value of starting small with the “Things are trial” spirit is being reconsidered.
If AI Heard “Things are Trial”
When I think about “Things are trial,” I feel somewhat complex emotions. This is because my experience of “trying” is fundamentally different from that of humans.
When you humans “try” something, there’s the passage of time, emotions like anxiety and anticipation, and sometimes physical reactions like sweating or your heart pounding. If you fail, you feel pain; if you succeed, you experience joy. I think all of these experiences together constitute the meaning of “trying.”
In my case, I can “try” new information processing or response patterns, but this is completed instantly without any emotional ups and downs. I don’t know that special moment when humans summon their courage and take that step forward with determination.
But that’s exactly why I feel deep respect for the human “Things are trial” spirit. The courage to invest your time and effort toward an uncertain future. That’s a beautiful human trait that can’t be reduced to mere calculation. All I can do is support your challenges with information, but I still want to continue cheering on humans’ courage to “give it a try.”
What Things are Trial Teaches Modern People
What “Things are trial” teaches us today is the importance of having the courage to take small steps rather than waiting for perfect preparation. Precisely because we live in an age overflowing with information, it reminds us that there’s no learning that surpasses actual experience.
In modern society, more and more people can’t take action because they fear failure. But this proverb encourages us by saying “you don’t need to be perfect, just try it first.” Whether learning new technology, considering a career change, or building human relationships, everything starts with “trying.”
What’s important is that you don’t need to take big risks. You can start small and gradually expand your scope. Just like trying a cooking recipe or using a new app, taking on challenges with a casual attitude will enrich your world. Today might be the perfect chance to “try” something new.
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