Translation guide
A maxim is a short, memorable statement expressing a general truth or rule of conduct. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various terms like 格言, 金言, and 座右の銘, each with different nuances and usage contexts.
Express a short, pithy statement that conveys a general truth or principle of behavior.
The most common and general term for a maxim, proverb, or saying. Used in both spoken and written contexts.
「時は金なり」は有名な格言です。
"Time is money" is a famous maxim.
彼はよく格言を引用して話す。
He often quotes maxims when he speaks.
A wise saying or golden maxim, often with a slightly more formal or literary feel. Implies words of wisdom worth treasuring.
祖父の金言は今でも心に残っている。
My grandfather's maxims still remain in my heart.
A maxim or admonitory saying, often with a moral or cautionary tone. More formal and less common in everyday speech.
この箴言は深い教訓を含んでいる。
This maxim contains a profound lesson.
Express a maxim that serves as a personal motto or rule one lives by.
Literally 'inscription at one's side', this is the standard term for a personal motto or maxim that guides one's life.
私の座右の銘は「継続は力なり」です。
My personal maxim is "perseverance is power."
座右の銘としてこの言葉を選んだ。
I chose this phrase as my maxim.
A principle or creed one believes in; can be used for a personal maxim, though it's broader and can refer to a set of beliefs.
Refer to a maxim in the sense of a traditional proverb or common saying.
Proverb; often used for traditional sayings. While not exactly 'maxim', it overlaps in meaning and is very common.
「猿も木から落ちる」ということわざを知っていますか。
Do you know the maxim "even monkeys fall from trees"?
格言 (kakugen) is a general maxim or wise saying, often attributed to a specific person or source. ことわざ (kotowaza) is a traditional proverb, usually of anonymous origin and passed down through generations. 座右の銘 (zayū no mei) is a personal motto or maxim that an individual adopts as a guiding principle. Use 格言 for general maxims, ことわざ for folk proverbs, and 座右の銘 for personal life mottos.
金言 (kingen) and 箴言 (shingen) are more literary and formal. In everyday conversation, 格言 (kakugen) or ことわざ (kotowaza) are more natural unless you specifically want a refined tone.
正直であることが彼の信条だ。
Honesty is his maxim.