Each week, I thought I might give you a new Japanese saying, phrase or word to learn. We are going to start with a really beautiful proverb:
This week's saying is a common saying and very good advice!
水に流す (みず に ながす mizu ni nagasu)
The literal translation is: let flow the water
Meaning: Forgive and forget; water under the bridge
七転び八起き (ななころび やおき nanakorobi yaoki)
The literal translation is: stumbling seven times but recovering eight.
Meaning: Even if you fall down, you can still get up again and keep perservering.
This week's proverb is about it being okay to make mistakes:
猿も木から落ちる。 (さるもきからおちる。Saru mo ki kara ochiru)
The literal translation is: Even monkeys fall from trees.
The meaning for us - Everyone makes mistakes - nobody's perfect.
花鳥風月 (かちょう ふうげつ)
The literal translation is: Flower, Bird, Wind, Moon
It's meaning is: Experience the beauties of nature, and in doing so learn about yourself
Look up more wonderful Japanese sayings at http://www.linguanaut.com/japanese_sayings.htm
