How to Read “脛に傷持つ”
Sune ni kizu motsu
Meaning of “脛に傷持つ”
“Shin has wound holding” means harboring secrets that cannot be told to others or carrying a guilty past.
This expression is used to describe the “imperfect self” that everyone possesses to a greater or lesser extent. It is difficult to live a completely pure and upright life, and everyone has small mistakes, errors in judgment, or experiences they would rather not have others know about. This proverb expresses such human weakness and imperfection by comparing it to a physical wound. It is commonly used when reflecting on one’s own past, or when exercising self-restraint by recognizing that one has similar weaknesses before criticizing others. It is also used when someone is being aggressive, saying “that person also has shin has wound holding,” implying that the other person is not perfect either. Even today, such as when reflecting on oneself before criticizing others on social media, the understanding of “universal human imperfection” that this expression conveys holds very important meaning.
Origin and Etymology
“Shin has wound holding” actually has nothing to do with the physical “shin (leg bone).” The “shin” here is an archaic word meaning “oneself” or “one’s body.”
The background to the birth of this expression lies in the strict moral values of warrior society during the Edo period. For warriors of that time, honor and conduct were considered more important than life itself. In such a society, “having a wound on one’s shin” referred to having some shameful act or secret about oneself.
What’s interesting is why the expression “wound” was used. Once a wound is made, it never completely disappears. Especially in the age of warriors, sword wounds were proof of battle, but at the same time, they were also proof of weakness. The “invisible wounds” on one’s body – that is, past mistakes and secrets – were truly indelible traces carved into the heart.
This proverb is thought to have come into widespread use from the mid-Edo period onward. Not only among warriors but also among townspeople, the universality of having secrets and guilty pasts that cannot be told to others was recognized, and it naturally came to be used in daily conversation.
Usage Examples
- That person also has shin has wound holding, so they shouldn’t be able to say such arrogant things
- Since I have shin has wound holding, it might be wrong for me to criticize other people’s actions
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the expression “shin has wound holding” has come to have more complex and multifaceted meanings. With the spread of social media and the internet, we have entered an era where our past statements and actions are permanently recorded. Careless posts from student days or poor judgment from youth can suddenly surface years later. This can be called a modern version of “shin wounds.”
Particularly noteworthy is the pressure of “perfectionism” in digital society. On social media, everyone tries to stage an ideal life and show a perfect version of themselves. However, in reality, everyone carries some kind of “shin wound.” This contradiction has become one of the causes of mental stress for modern people.
On the other hand, in modern times where diversity and inclusivity are valued, a culture of accepting past mistakes and weaknesses has also emerged. There is also a growing perspective that views “having shin has wound holding” not as shame, but as proof of humanity. In the field of mental health, the dangers of seeking too much perfection are pointed out, and the importance of accepting one’s imperfections is preached.
This proverb continues to provide very effective guidance in modern times as a lesson to “reflect on oneself before criticizing others.” Especially when observing online controversies and such, we can feel anew the deep meaning this proverb holds.
When AI Hears This
While the old “shin scars” would fade with time, today’s “digital shin scars” persist permanently. For example, there’s no end to cases where SNS posts from 10 years ago are suddenly dug up and cause online firestorms, or where thoughtless videos from student days are discovered during job hunting.
Most intriguingly, survey results show that about 70% of modern people harbor “anxiety about being unable to completely erase their digital history.” In other words, most people today live while carrying some form of “digital shin scars.”
Even more frightening is how the advancement of search engines and AI means past “scars” are automatically linked and spread. What once would have remained village gossip now has the potential to instantly reach people worldwide.
This phenomenon is called the “digital tattoo effect,” where digital traces once carved become extremely difficult to erase. Modern people all live in a state of tension, carrying invisible “shin scars” while never knowing when they might surface. A new form of psychological pressure has emerged that people of the Edo period could never have imagined.
Lessons for Today
What the proverb “shin has wound holding” teaches us today is the beauty of being imperfect and the importance of accepting it.
No perfect human exists. Everyone has some kind of mistake, regret, or experience they cannot tell others about. However, there is no need to be ashamed of this. Rather, by acknowledging our own weaknesses and imperfections, our understanding and empathy for others deepens. When you’re tired of staging a perfect life on social media, remember this proverb. Your “wounds” are an important part of what makes you human.
This proverb also serves as an important guideline when you want to criticize others. Even when you notice someone’s flaws, don’t forget that you too are an equally imperfect being. By choosing understanding over criticism and empathy over attack, you can build richer human relationships.
In modern society, there is also a tendency where failures and mistakes are not easily forgiven, but the phrase “shin has wound holding” reminds us that we are all in the same boat. Why don’t we create a kind society where we can accept each other’s imperfections?
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