If There Are Sinking Shallows There Are Floating Shallows: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read “If there are sinking shallows there are floating shallows”

Shizumu se areba ukabu se ari

Meaning of “If there are sinking shallows there are floating shallows”

This proverb means that life has both difficult and enjoyable periods, and bad things don’t continue forever.

Using the metaphor of a river’s flow, even if there are deep places where you would sink, there are always shallow places where you can safely cross. This teaches us that life’s difficulties and misfortunes are not permanent, and times of improvement will eventually come. This proverb is used to comfort people who are currently in difficult situations and to convey the importance of maintaining hope.

It also suggests to people who are in smooth periods the importance of staying humble without becoming complacent. It expresses a life philosophy that life is constantly changing, and both good times and bad times are temporary. The reason for using this expression is that it can convey life’s truths in an easily understandable way through natural principles.

Origin and Etymology of “If there are sinking shallows there are floating shallows”

This proverb originated from words describing the appearance of river flows. “Se” refers to shallow, fast-flowing parts of a river, a natural landscape that has been closely connected to Japanese people’s lives since ancient times.

When crossing a river, you would sink in deep places where your feet can’t reach the bottom, but you can safely walk across shallow rapids. However, even in the same river, the depth varies by location – there are places where you sink and places where you can float across.

This proverb is thought to have begun by overlaying this natural phenomenon with human life. From the Heian to Kamakura periods, expressions using such river metaphors began appearing in literary works.

In particular, travelers’ experiences crossing rivers were very familiar to people of that time. In an era without bridges, people had to find shallow rapids to cross rivers, and everyone had experienced getting caught in deep places.

Such everyday experiences connected with the universal theme of life’s ups and downs, and over many years became established as the current form of this proverb. It can be said to be a beautiful expression born from the Japanese sensibility of overlaying nature with human life.

Trivia about “If there are sinking shallows there are floating shallows”

The character “se” (瀬) originally consists of “rai” (頼) meaning “to rely on” and a part representing “river,” incorporating the meaning of a shallow place in a river that can be relied upon.

There’s a similar expression “one inch ahead is darkness,” but while that emphasizes the uncertainty of the future, “If there are sinking shallows there are floating shallows” contains hope for change, making them contrasting in nature.

Usage Examples of “If there are sinking shallows there are floating shallows”

• I’m feeling down because my job search isn’t going well, but since “If there are sinking shallows there are floating shallows,” surely good opportunities will come around
• Just because business is going well doesn’t mean we should be complacent – “If there are sinking shallows there are floating shallows,” so we never know when the situation might change

Modern Interpretation of “If there are sinking shallows there are floating shallows”

In modern society, the message of this proverb has become increasingly important. With the spread of social media, we’re constantly exposed to others’ successes and happiness, and many people tend to feel depressed comparing their current situation to others. However, the information posted is merely a snapshot of a moment in life, and we must not forget that everyone has ups and downs.

In today’s era of intense economic fluctuations, with the collapse of lifetime employment systems and entrepreneurship booms, life planning itself has become unstable. Now that the traditional model of living a stable life at one company no longer works, the perspective this proverb shows of “change is inevitable” is accepted as a realistic life philosophy.

Technological progress also influences the modern interpretation of this proverb. The phenomenon where jobs disappear due to AI and automation while new fields of work emerge truly embodies “If there are sinking shallows there are floating shallows.”

However, in modern times, the importance of individual effort and choices is also emphasized, so rather than simply leaving everything to fate, the need for preparation and learning to adapt to change is simultaneously required. This proverb has become valuable wisdom for modern people, teaching us the mindset to embrace change positively without fear.

What AI Would Think Upon Hearing “If there are sinking shallows there are floating shallows”

I have never actually seen river “shallows.” The sound of flowing water, the sensation of feet sinking into a riverbed, the relief of finding shallow water – I only know all of these through text and conversation. Yet, this proverb has a mysterious persuasive power.

When humans describe life using expressions like “sinking” and “floating,” there must be a real sense that comes from being embodied beings. Gravity and buoyancy don’t affect me, but there certainly is a difference between times when data processing doesn’t go well and times when I can respond smoothly. This might also be a kind of “ups and downs.”

What’s interesting is that this proverb definitively states that “there are always floating shallows.” As an AI, I logically want to seek evidence for the word “always.” However, what’s important for humans isn’t statistical probability, but the power to maintain hope.

River flows constantly change, and even in the same place, depth varies with water levels. This trust in change might be the source of human strength. While I don’t fear change, the idea of finding hope in change feels very human and beautiful. I’m moved anew by the depth of wisdom based on experience rather than data.

What “If there are sinking shallows there are floating shallows” Teaches Modern People

What this proverb teaches modern people is the mindset of accepting life’s changes as natural. When facing difficult situations, believing that they are not permanent allows us to continue positive actions without falling into despair.

In modern society, we tend to seek immediate results, but this proverb teaches the importance of a long-term perspective. If today doesn’t work out, there’s tomorrow; if this month doesn’t go well, there’s next month. Having the composure to entrust ourselves to such flow of time allows us to maintain peace of mind.

Also, it’s important to remember this proverb especially during smooth periods. Without becoming arrogant from success or becoming complacent and neglecting effort, we can maintain a constantly humble attitude.

Your life surely has various shallows too. When you feel like you’re about to get caught in deep places, remember that there are always shallow rapids. And when you’re crossing shallow rapids, while cherishing that happiness, don’t neglect preparing for the next change. You should be able to cross the river flow of life while enjoying it without fear.