Translation guide
A proverb about respecting boundaries and privacy to maintain good relationships. In Japanese, similar ideas are expressed through sayings about distance, formality, and not interfering.
Expressing the idea that keeping some distance or respecting privacy helps relationships stay harmonious.
A common proverb meaning 'Even between close friends, there should be courtesy.' It emphasizes that formality and respect are necessary even in intimate relationships.
親しき仲にも礼儀ありで、家族でもプライバシーは大切だ。
Good fences make good neighbors; even within a family, privacy is important.
Focusing on how defining limits (like property lines) avoids conflict.
A practical phrase meaning 'to clarify boundaries.' Often used in contexts of land, roles, or responsibilities to prevent misunderstandings.
隣人とのトラブルを避けるには、境界をはっきりさせることが大切だ。
To avoid trouble with neighbors, it's important to clarify boundaries.
The direct translation 「良い塀は良い隣人を作る」 is not a recognized saying in Japanese and would sound odd. Use the proverbs above instead.
Japanese culture often values harmony and indirectness, so the idea of explicitly building 'fences' can feel confrontational. Phrases like 親しき仲にも礼儀あり focus on maintaining respect rather than physical barriers.
A classical saying: 'The friendship of gentlemen is as light as water.' It suggests that mature relationships don't require constant closeness; a little distance keeps things pure.
君子の交わりは淡きこと水の如しというように、適度な距離が長続きの秘訣だ。
As the saying goes, good fences make good neighbors; a moderate distance is the secret to lasting relationships.
Literally 'to build a fence.' Can be used metaphorically to mean establishing boundaries in relationships, though it's not a set proverb.
時には人間関係でも垣根を作ることが必要だ。
Sometimes it's necessary to build fences in human relationships too.
A proverb meaning 'Wherever you live, you come to love it.' It implies that if you respect your own space and your neighbor's, you can be happy anywhere. Not a direct translation, but captures the spirit of neighborly harmony through acceptance of boundaries.
お互いの領域を尊重すれば、住めば都でうまくやっていける。
If we respect each other's space, we can get along well anywhere—good fences make good neighbors.