Poetic

Proverbs

Crying Cicada Rather Than Not-crying Firefly Burns Body: Japanese Proverb Meaning

Original Japanese: 鳴く蝉よりも鳴かぬ蛍が身を焦がす (Naku semi yori mo nakanu hotaru ga mi wo kogasu)Literal meaning: Crying cicada rath...
Proverbs

Plovers On Waves: Japanese Proverb Meaning

Original Japanese: 波に千鳥 (Nami ni chidori)Literal meaning: Plovers on wavesCultural context: This proverb draws from Japa...
Proverbs

Even Demon Eighteen: Japanese Proverb Meaning

Original Japanese: 鬼も十八 (Oni mo jūhachi)Literal meaning: Even demon eighteenCultural context: This proverb reflects the ...
Proverbs

Demon Also Eighteen Coarse Tea Also Prime Bloom: Japanese Proverb Meaning

Original Japanese: 鬼も十八番茶も出花 (Oni mo jūhachi bancha mo debana)Literal meaning: Demon also eighteen coarse tea also prime...
Proverbs

Toppling Castle: Japanese Proverb Meaning

Original Japanese: 傾城 (Keisei)Literal meaning: Toppling castleCultural context: This term literally means "toppling a ca...
Proverbs

Overturn Country: Japanese Proverb Meaning

Original Japanese: 傾国 (Keikoku)Literal meaning: Overturn countryCultural context: This term literally means "toppling th...
Proverbs

Willow Catkin’s Talent: Japanese Proverb Meaning

Original Japanese: 柳絮の才 (Ryūjo no sai)Literal meaning: Willow catkin's talentCultural context: This proverb compares a w...
Proverbs

Lapis Lazuli And Glass Both Shine When Illuminated: Japanese Proverb Meaning

Original Japanese: 瑠璃も玻璃も照らせば光る (Ruri mo hari mo teraseba hikaru)Literal meaning: Lapis lazuli and glass both shine when...
Proverbs

Both Hands In Flowers: Japanese Proverb Meaning

Original Japanese: 両手に花 (Ryoute ni hana)Literal meaning: Both hands in flowersCultural context: This proverb literally m...
Proverbs

On Brocade Add Flowers: Japanese Proverb Meaning

Original Japanese: 錦上に花を添える (Kinshō ni hana wo soeru)Literal meaning: On brocade add flowersCultural context: This prove...