Culture · Kotowaza (ことわざ)

雨降って地固まる — "After rain falls, the ground hardens" (Adversity builds character / Good comes from a storm)

Kotowaza are short traditional sayings that carry a piece of Japanese wisdom. Here are thirty-two, grouped by theme — each with its reading, meaning, and a small animation to help it stick.

Animations illustrate each proverb for learning.

More culture