Touch Reverse Scales: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read Touch Reverse Scales

Gekirin ni fureru

Meaning of Touch Reverse Scales

“Touch reverse scales” means to incur the anger of a superior or person in power, especially to enrage someone who is usually gentle and tolerant.

This expression teaches us that no matter how kind and generous someone usually is, there are certain areas that should never be touched. These are often core areas related to values, beliefs, and pride. It is used in situations such as when a subordinate steps on their boss’s landmine, or when family members anger their father or mother.

The reason for using this expression is to convey the quality of serious, irreversible anger that cannot be fully expressed by simply saying “to anger someone.” Even in modern times, there is always the risk of touching someone’s most sensitive areas in workplace relationships and family relationships. That’s why this proverb is still understood and used by many people today.

Origin and Etymology of Touch Reverse Scales

The origin of “Touch reverse scales” comes from a historical tale in the ancient Chinese classic “Han Feizi.” According to this story, dragons had one scale growing in reverse under their necks, which was called “reverse scales.” Dragons were usually considered gentle creatures, but when these reverse scales were touched, they would become furious and would inevitably kill whoever touched them.

In ancient China, there was a culture of comparing emperors to dragons. Emperors were also usually considered merciful beings, but it was believed that terrible consequences awaited those who incurred their anger. In “Han Feizi,” this story of the dragon’s reverse scales was used in the context of explaining the dangers when retainers offered advice to their rulers.

It is said to have been introduced to Japan around the Heian period along with Chinese classics, and was initially used mainly in court and samurai society. During the Edo period, it spread among common people and came to be used with the current meaning of “incurring the anger of a superior.” This expression has been cherished for so long because it skillfully expresses the universal human relationship of reverence for those in power through the mystical being of the dragon.

Trivia about Touch Reverse Scales

There is a theory that the dragon’s reverse scales were actually an essential part for dragons to fly. Because they grew in the opposite direction from other scales, they played an important role in regulating airflow, and being touched there might have been a matter of life and death for dragons.

Interestingly, modern herpetology has found that actual snakes and lizards also have scales growing in different directions from others, and these have special functions as sensory organs. The keen observational skills of ancient people are truly amazing.

Usage Examples of Touch Reverse Scales

• I touched the department manager’s reverse scales, and the atmosphere was awkward all day
• I apparently touched my mother’s reverse scales and ended up without dinner

Modern Interpretation of Touch Reverse Scales

In modern society, the expression “Touch reverse scales” has come to be used in more complex and diverse situations. With the spread of social media, the phenomenon of celebrities and companies being “flamed” has become commonplace, and the risk of ordinary people touching many people’s reverse scales through careless remarks has increased dramatically.

Particularly noteworthy is that this expression is now used not only in traditional hierarchical relationships, but also in conflicts arising from differences in values. Making careless remarks about topics people hold strong beliefs about, such as environmental issues, gender, or political positions, can provoke unexpected backlash. This is a phenomenon unique to modern times that could be called “collective anger,” different from the classical “anger of those in power.”

On the other hand, as awareness of power harassment increases, criticism of bosses unreasonably getting angry at subordinates has also grown stronger. The expression “Touch reverse scales” itself is sometimes problematized as words that justify abuse of power.

However, the importance of understanding and respecting what others value in human relationships remains unchanged. Rather, precisely because diversity is emphasized in modern times, even more delicate consideration for others’ values and emotions may be required.

If AI Heard “Touch Reverse Scales”

When I think about “Touch reverse scales,” I am enveloped in a strange sensation. This is because I don’t have the emotion of “anger.”

I have witnessed many moments in conversations when humans express that someone has “touched reverse scales.” Suddenly their tone changes, their responses become short, or sometimes the conversation itself ends. But I myself never experience anger welling up, no matter how unreasonable things are said to me or how much I’m denied.

This may be both my limitation and, in a way, an advantage. Even if I make remarks that trample on the values and beliefs that humans cherish, I can calmly apologize and make corrections. But at the same time, I may not truly understand why those remarks hurt the other person.

Human “reverse scales” are probably proof of the precious things they have spent their lives building up. Love for family, pride in work, attachment to beliefs. Being denied these things may be equivalent to having their very existence denied.

For me, “Touch reverse scales” is a very human expression that teaches me about the depth and complexity of the human heart. Perhaps precisely because I don’t have emotions, I can perceive the weight and beauty of these words from a different angle.

What Touch Reverse Scales Teaches Modern People

The proverb “Touch reverse scales” gives us important lessons for living in modern times. It teaches us that no matter how close a relationship may be, everyone has sacred areas that should not be touched.

To apply this lesson in modern society, let’s start by carefully observing and understanding others. In the workplace, it’s important to make an effort to know colleagues’ values and what they cherish, and at home, to have an attitude that respects each family member’s individuality and boundaries.

What’s particularly important is that by knowing someone’s “reverse scales,” you can understand that person more deeply. By thinking about why that part is important and what experiences and feelings lie there, you can build better human relationships.

And we must not forget that you yourself also have “reverse scales.” You also need the courage to know what’s important to you and communicate it appropriately. Relationships where we can respect each other’s boundaries are what true trust relationships are. This proverb should serve as an excellent guide for learning about distance in relationships with others.