Japanese Idioms That Will Make You Sound Like a Native

Have you ever tried speaking Japanese and felt like something was missing? Despite knowing the vocabulary and grammar, your speech might still sound unnatural to native speakers. The secret ingredient? Japanese idioms. These colorful expressions add authenticity, cultural depth, and nuance to your language skills.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 20 essential Japanese idioms that will transform your language abilities and deepen your understanding of Japanese culture. Whether you’re a beginner looking to enrich your vocabulary or an advanced learner aiming to sound more natural, these expressions will take your Japanese to the next level.

Why Learning Japanese Idioms Matters

Japanese idioms (慣用句, kanyouku) are fixed expressions whose meanings can’t be deduced from their individual components. They reflect cultural values, historical contexts, and the unique Japanese worldview. By incorporating these expressions into your speech, you’ll:

• Sound more natural and fluent
• Gain deeper insights into Japanese culture and thinking
• Express complex ideas concisely
• Connect more meaningfully with native speakers
• Understand Japanese media, literature, and everyday conversations better

As we explored in our guide to Japanese honorifics, mastering these cultural elements of language is just as important as learning grammar and vocabulary.

20 Must-Know Japanese Idioms for Every Learner

Let’s dive into our collection of essential Japanese idioms that will enrich your language skills and cultural understanding. For each idiom, we’ll provide the Japanese characters, romaji pronunciation, literal translation, actual meaning, and practical usage examples.

1. 猿も木から落ちる (さるもきからおちる, Saru mo ki kara ochiru)

Literal meaning: Even monkeys fall from trees Actual meaning: Everyone makes mistakes, even experts

This compassionate Japanese idiom reminds us that errors are part of being human. When a friend is beating themselves up over a mistake, this expression offers gentle perspective.

Example usage: 「試験に失敗したことを気にしないで。猿も木から落ちるよ。」 “Shiken ni shippai shita koto o ki ni shinaide. Saru mo ki kara ochiru yo.” “Don’t worry about failing the test. Even experts make mistakes sometimes.”

2. 七転び八起き (ななころびやおき, Nana korobi ya oki)

Literal meaning: Fall seven times, stand up eight Actual meaning: Perseverance despite repeated failures

This powerful idiom in Japanese culture emphasizes resilience and determination. It’s often used to encourage someone facing challenges or setbacks.

Example usage: 「ビジネスで成功するには、七転び八起きの精神が必要だ。」 “Bijinesu de seikō suru ni wa, nana korobi ya oki no seishin ga hitsuyō da.” “To succeed in business, you need the spirit of perseverance despite setbacks.”

3. 花より団子 (はなよりだんご, Hana yori dango)

Literal meaning: Dumplings rather than flowers Actual meaning: Practicality over aesthetics; substance over form

This Japanese idiomatic expression reflects a preference for practical benefits over mere beauty or appearance. It’s similar to the English phrase “actions speak louder than words.”

Example usage: 「その映画は美しいけど、内容が薄いね。私は花より団子だから、もっと意味のある話が好きだ。」 “Sono eiga wa utsukushii kedo, naiyō ga usui ne. Watashi wa hana yori dango dakara, motto imi no aru hanashi ga suki da.” “That movie is beautiful, but lacks substance. I prefer content over style, so I like more meaningful stories.”

4. 腹が立つ (はらがたつ, Hara ga tatsu)

Literal meaning: One’s stomach stands up Actual meaning: To become angry or irritated

The stomach is considered the seat of emotions in Japanese culture, which explains why many Japanese idioms involving feelings reference the abdomen.

Example usage: 「彼の無責任な行動に腹が立った。」 “Kare no musekinin na kōdō ni hara ga tatta.” “I got angry at his irresponsible behavior.”

5. 目から鱗が落ちる (めからうろこがおちる, Me kara uroko ga ochiru)

Literal meaning: Scales fall from one’s eyes Actual meaning: To have a revelation; to suddenly understand something

This vivid expression depicts the moment of sudden clarity or understanding. It’s similar to the English idiom “having one’s eyes opened.”

Example usage: 「その説明を聞いて、目から鱗が落ちた気分だ。」 “Sono setsumei o kiite, me kara uroko ga ochita kibun da.” “After hearing that explanation, I feel like I’ve had a revelation.”

6. 井の中の蛙大海を知らず (いのなかのかわずたいかいをしらず, I no naka no kawazu taikai o shirazu)

Literal meaning: A frog in a well doesn’t know the ocean Actual meaning: Someone with limited experience doesn’t understand the wider world

This Japanese idiom cautions against narrow-mindedness and encourages broader perspectives. It’s often used to describe someone who can’t see beyond their limited viewpoint.

Example usage: 「海外に行ったことがないなんて、井の中の蛙大海を知らずだね。」 “Kaigai ni itta koto ga nai nante, i no naka no kawazu taikai o shirazu da ne.” “Never having been abroad? That’s like being a frog in a well who doesn’t know the ocean.”

7. 朝飯前 (あさめしまえ, Asameshi mae)

Literal meaning: Before breakfast Actual meaning: Something very easy; a piece of cake

This practical Japanese idiom expresses that a task is so simple it could be completed before even having breakfast.

Example usage: 「このレベルの問題は彼女にとって朝飯前だよ。」 “Kono reberu no mondai wa kanojo ni totte asameshi mae da yo.” “This level of problem is a piece of cake for her.”

8. 一期一会 (いちごいちえ, Ichigo ichie)

Literal meaning: One time, one meeting Actual meaning: Treasure every encounter, as it may never recur

This profound Japanese expression comes from tea ceremony philosophy and reminds us to value each moment and interaction as unique and irreplaceable.

Example usage: 「友達との時間を大切にしよう。一期一会だから。」 “Tomodachi to no jikan o taisetsu ni shiyō. Ichigo ichie dakara.” “Let’s cherish our time with friends. Each moment is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

9. 十人十色 (じゅうにんといろ, Jūnin toiro)

Literal meaning: Ten people, ten colors Actual meaning: Everyone has different tastes/opinions

This concise Japanese idiom celebrates diversity of thought and perspective. It’s similar to the English expression “to each their own.”

Example usage: 「映画の好みについて議論する必要はない。十人十色だから。」 “Eiga no konomi ni tsuite giron suru hitsuyō wa nai. Jūnin toiro dakara.” “There’s no need to argue about movie preferences. Everyone has different tastes.”

10. 猫に小判 (ねこにこばん, Neko ni koban)

Literal meaning: Gold coins to a cat Actual meaning: Giving something valuable to someone who can’t appreciate it

This Japanese idiomatic expression is similar to the English idiom “casting pearls before swine.” It describes wasting something precious on someone who doesn’t recognize its value.

Example usage: 「彼に高級ワインをプレゼントしたが、猫に小判だった。」 “Kare ni kōkyū wain o purezento shita ga, neko ni koban datta.” “I gave him expensive wine as a gift, but it was wasted on him.”

11. 一石二鳥 (いっせきにちょう, Isseki nichō)

Literal meaning: One stone, two birds Actual meaning: Achieving two goals with a single action

This Japanese idiom is identical in meaning to the English expression “killing two birds with one stone.” It’s one of several examples of English idioms in Japanese that have direct parallels.

Example usage: 「通勤中に語学のポッドキャストを聞くのは一石二鳥だね。」 “Tsūkin-chū ni gogaku no poddokyasuto o kiku no wa isseki nichō da ne.” “Listening to language podcasts during your commute is killing two birds with one stone.”

12. 雨降って地固まる (あめふってじかたまる, Ame futte ji katamaru)

Literal meaning: After the rain, the earth hardens Actual meaning: Hardship leads to stronger relationships or better situations

This weather-based Japanese idiom suggests that difficulties can ultimately strengthen bonds or improve circumstances, similar to “every cloud has a silver lining.”

Example usage: 「あの夫婦は大変な時期を乗り越えて、雨降って地固まるという感じだ。」 “Ano fūfu wa taihen na jiki o norikoete, ame futte ji katamaru to iu kanji da.” “That couple overcame a difficult period, and their relationship is stronger for it.”

13. 知らぬが仏 (しらぬがほとけ, Shiranu ga hotoke)

Literal meaning: Not knowing is Buddha Actual meaning: Ignorance is bliss

This Buddhist-influenced Japanese idiom suggests that sometimes it’s better not to know certain things, as knowledge can bring suffering.

Example usage: 「時々、詳細を知らない方が幸せだよ。知らぬが仏だからね。」 “Tokidoki, shōsai o shiranai hō ga shiawase da yo. Shiranu ga hotoke dakara ne.” “Sometimes it’s better not to know the details. Ignorance is bliss.”

14. 馬が合う (うまがあう, Uma ga au)

Literal meaning: Horses match Actual meaning: To get along well with someone; to be compatible

This animal-related Japanese idiom describes good chemistry between people, similar to “hitting it off” in English.

Example usage: 「初対面だったのに、すぐに馬が合った。」 “Hatsu taimen datta noni, sugu ni uma ga atta.” “Even though it was our first meeting, we immediately hit it off.”

15. 口が滑る (くちがすべる, Kuchi ga suberu)

Literal meaning: One’s mouth slips Actual meaning: To accidentally reveal a secret; to let something slip

While similar to the English phrase “slip of the tongue,” this Japanese expression specifically refers to revealing secrets accidentally.

Example usage: 「飲み過ぎて口が滑り、サプライズパーティーのことを話してしまった。」 “Nomi sugite kuchi ga suberi, sapuraizu pātī no koto o hanashite shimatta.” “I drank too much, let my mouth slip, and revealed the surprise party.”

16. 弱肉強食 (じゃくにくきょうしょく, Jakuniku kyōshoku)

Literal meaning: The weak are meat for the strong Actual meaning: Survival of the fittest; the law of the jungle

This somewhat harsh Japanese idiom describes competitive situations where the powerful dominate the weak, often used in business or political contexts.

Example usage: 「このビジネス世界は弱肉強食だ。強くなければ生き残れない。」 “Kono bijinesu sekai wa jakuniku kyōshoku da. Tsuyoku nakereba ikinokore nai.” “This business world is survival of the fittest. If you’re not strong, you can’t survive.”

17. 馬鹿は死ななきゃ治らない (ばかはしななきゃなおらない, Baka wa shinanakya naoranai)

Literal meaning: A fool won’t be cured unless they die Actual meaning: Some people never learn from their mistakes

This somewhat cynical Japanese idiom suggests that certain people are incapable of learning or changing their foolish behavior.

Example usage: 「何度注意しても同じミスを繰り返す。馬鹿は死ななきゃ治らないというけど、本当だね。」 “Nando chūi shite mo onaji misu o kurikaesu. Baka wa shinanakya naoranai to iu kedo, hontō da ne.” “He keeps making the same mistake no matter how many times I warn him. They say a fool never learns, and it’s true.”

18. 寿司詰め (すしづめ, Sushi zume)

Literal meaning: Packed like sushi Actual meaning: Extremely crowded or packed tightly

This food-based Japanese idiom is similar to the English phrase “packed like sardines.” It’s used to describe crowded situations, particularly on trains or in small spaces.

Example usage: 「朝の電車は寿司詰めで、身動きが取れなかった。」 “Asa no densha wa sushi zume de, midō ga torenakatta.” “The morning train was packed like sardines, and I couldn’t move.”

19. 虎穴に入らずんば虎子を得ず (こけつにいらずんばこじをえず, Koketsu ni irazunba koji o ezu)

Literal meaning: If you don’t enter the tiger’s den, you can’t catch the cub Actual meaning: Nothing ventured, nothing gained

This adventurous Japanese idiom emphasizes that taking risks is necessary to achieve valuable goals, similar to many English expressions about risk and reward.

Example usage: 「起業は怖いけど、虎穴に入らずんば虎子を得ずだよ。」 “Kigyō wa kowai kedo, koketsu ni irazunba koji o ezu da yo.” “Starting a business is scary, but nothing ventured, nothing gained.”

20. 因果応報 (いんがおうほう, Inga ōhō)

Literal meaning: Cause and effect Actual meaning: What goes around comes around; karma

This philosophical Japanese idiom reflects the Buddhist concept of karma and is often used to describe situations where people face consequences for their actions.

Example usage: 「彼の不正行為はついに明るみに出た。因果応報だね。」 “Kare no fusei kōi wa tsui ni akarumi ni deta. Inga ōhō da ne.” “His dishonest actions finally came to light. What goes around comes around.”

How to Practice Japanese Idioms Effectively

Learning Japanese idioms requires more than just memorization. Here are some effective strategies to incorporate these expressions into your Japanese language journey:

1. Context is key: Learn idioms within sentences or situations rather than in isolation
2. Group by theme: Study related idioms together (animal idioms, food idioms, etc.)
3. Create visual associations: Draw or visualize the literal meaning to help remember the expression
4. Use spaced repetition: Review idioms regularly using flashcards or apps
5. Apply in conversation: Practice using idioms with language partners or tutors
6. Look for idioms in media: Note when idioms appear in Japanese shows, songs, or books

As our article on Japanese particles explains, mastering these cultural aspects of language requires consistent practice and exposure.

Cultural Insights Through Japanese Idioms

Japanese idioms offer fascinating glimpses into cultural values and historical contexts. For example:

• Natural imagery: Many Japanese idioms reference elements of nature, reflecting Japan’s traditional connection to the natural world
• Collectivist thinking: Several expressions emphasize harmony and group dynamics over individualism
• Buddhist influences: Philosophical concepts from Buddhism appear in many Japanese idioms
• Food references: The importance of food in Japanese culture is evident in numerous food-related expressions

Understanding these cultural contexts enhances both your language skills and your appreciation of Japanese society. For more cultural insights, check out our comprehensive guide to Japanese street food.

English Idioms in Japanese: Cultural Crossovers

Interestingly, many Japanese idioms have direct English counterparts, while others are uniquely Japanese. This comparison offers insights into both shared human experiences and cultural differences:

• Direct parallels: “一石二鳥” (one stone, two birds) and “killing two birds with one stone”
• Similar concepts, different imagery: “猫に小判” (gold coins to a cat) and “casting pearls before swine”
• Uniquely Japanese: “花より団子” (dumplings over flowers) reflects specific Japanese cultural values

These comparisons can help English speakers remember Japanese idioms by connecting them to familiar concepts.

Ready to Master Japanese Idioms?

Japanese idioms add color, depth, and cultural authenticity to your language skills. By incorporating these expressions into your speaking and writing, you’ll communicate more naturally and connect more meaningfully with native speakers.

For a more comprehensive collection of Japanese idioms and detailed learning materials, visit our resources page for free guides on mastering Japanese idiomatic expressions.

FAQ About Japanese Idioms

What are Japanese idioms called in Japanese?

Japanese idioms are called “kanyouku” (慣用句) in Japanese. This term refers to fixed expressions whose meanings differ from their literal translations.

How many idioms are there in Japanese?

There are thousands of idioms in Japanese language. The Japanese dictionary of idioms contains over 4,000 expressions, though everyday speakers typically use several hundred common ones.

Why are Japanese idioms important for language learners?

Japanese idioms are important because they reflect cultural values, add authenticity to speech, and help learners understand native conversations, literature, and media that frequently use these expressions.

Are Japanese idioms difficult to learn?

Many Japanese idioms have interesting visual imagery that makes them memorable, though understanding their proper usage contexts can be challenging. Regular practice and exposure are key to mastering them.

Do Japanese people use idioms in everyday conversation?

Yes, Japanese people use idioms frequently in daily conversation. Common Japanese idioms appear regularly in casual speech, business settings, media, and literature.

Have you encountered any of these Japanese idioms before? Which one resonates with you most? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this guide with fellow Japanese language enthusiasts!