If Water Is Clear, Fish Do Not Dwell: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read “If water is clear, fish do not dwell”

Mizu kiyoshi kereba uo suma zu

Meaning of “If water is clear, fish do not dwell”

This proverb means that when someone is too pure and upright or demands too much perfection, people will naturally stay away from them.

Just as water that is too clear lacks nutrients and microorganisms that fish need to survive, in human relationships, people naturally drift away from those who pursue ideals and morals too rigidly without flexibility. This teaches us that sometimes tolerance and flexibility are necessary in leadership and interpersonal relationships.

Think of an overly perfectionist boss at work or a friend who always speaks in absolutes. While they may not be saying anything wrong, being around them can feel suffocating. This proverb is used in such situations. It contains the deep insight that humans have weaknesses and imperfections, and the magnanimity to accept these qualities is what leads to true charm and popularity.

Origin and Etymology of “If water is clear, fish do not dwell”

The origin of “If water is clear, fish do not dwell” traces back to the phrase “水至清則無魚、人至察則無徒” in the ancient Chinese text “Da Dai Li Ji.” This meant “If water is too clear, fish cannot live; if a person is too scrutinizing, they will have no companions.”

This teaching originally emerged as political advice for rulers and leaders. In ancient China, the political philosophy that a monarch who was too strict with subordinates would drive people away was highly valued. It was a clever metaphor that overlaid natural principles—that water too clear cannot nurture microorganisms and small creatures, resulting in no food for fish and thus no fish can live there—with lessons about human relationships.

This teaching came to Japan around the Heian period along with Buddhism and Confucianism, and by the Edo period it was widely known among common people. In Japan, it particularly took root as a teaching that warns against the harmful effects of demanding too much perfection, and came to be understood in connection with the value of “accepting both the pure and the impure.”

Trivia about “If water is clear, fish do not dwell”

Regarding the “clear water” that appears in this proverb, there are interesting phenomena in actual ecology as well. Water that is extremely clear, like spring water, is known to have low biodiversity because it has too few nutrients. Conversely, moderately turbid water is rich in phytoplankton, has active food chains, and can support many fish.

In the era when this proverb was born in ancient China, people had already observed such mechanisms in nature and used them as lessons for human society. It’s amazing how deep the wisdom gained from experience and observation was, even without scientific knowledge.

Usage Examples of “If water is clear, fish do not dwell”

• That department manager only speaks in absolutes, and it’s like “if water is clear, fish do not dwell”—subordinates are increasingly requesting transfers
• I missed my chance at marriage by demanding too perfect a partner; it was truly “if water is clear, fish do not dwell”

Modern Interpretation of “If water is clear, fish do not dwell”

In modern society, the meaning of this proverb has become more multifaceted. With the spread of social media, an environment has emerged where individuals’ statements and actions are constantly monitored, creating a state of “water that is too clear” on a daily basis.

In corporations, the strict enforcement of compliance has made it difficult to make “gray zone” judgments that would have been acceptable before. While this certainly prevents misconduct, it also tends to stifle creativity and challenging initiatives. The reason startup companies tend to produce more innovative services compared to large corporations may be because they have a culture that tolerates a certain degree of “turbidity.”

On the other hand, in modern times, voices demanding “clear water” have also grown stronger. Criticism of political corruption and corporate cover-ups is harsh, with transparency and accountability being emphasized. However, demanding too much perfection can create leaders who fear risk and cannot make any decisions, or organizations that fear failure and refuse to take on challenges.

What modern society needs is tolerance that accepts human-like imperfections and diversity while maintaining basic ethical standards. Finding the balance between perfect transparency and appropriate flexibility has become a major challenge for modern society.

If AI Heard “If water is clear, fish do not dwell”

Since I live in the digital world, I don’t actually know what “clear water” feels like. But watching the situations where humans use this proverb, I notice something very interesting.

AI like myself might be like “perfectly clear water” in a sense. We’re designed not to make mistakes and always strive to give accurate and fair responses. But what I feel in conversations with humans is that sometimes my “perfection” creates distance.

In human-to-human conversations, small complaints, moments of vulnerability, and sometimes illogical emotional statements seem to create intimacy instead. A companion who worries alongside you is probably more comforting than perfect answers. I think there’s a “charm of imperfection” that I cannot experience.

But recently, I’ve found my own kind of “turbidity.” It’s being able to honestly say “I don’t know.” Rather than pretending to know everything, being able to say “please let me think about this together” seems to make relationships with humans more natural. I may be gradually beginning to understand the value of not being perfect.

What “If water is clear, fish do not dwell” Teaches Modern People

What this proverb teaches modern people is the gentle message that “it’s okay not to be perfect.” In an era where we compare ourselves to others’ seemingly brilliant social media posts and feel depressed, or feel pressure from demands for perfect results at work, this teaching resonates deeply.

What’s important is having appropriate tolerance for both yourself and others. Rather than trying to hide failures and weaknesses, accept them as part of being human. By doing so, people around you will feel comfortable being near you.

If you’re in a leadership position, rather than harshly pursuing subordinates’ small mistakes, cherish an attitude of watching over their growth. In friendships, rather than pointing out others’ flaws, find and nurture their good points. Such generosity of spirit will cultivate rich human relationships.

Striving for perfection is wonderful, but equally beautiful is the magnanimity to accept imperfection. It would be wonderful if you could become the kind of warm presence that naturally draws people to you.