Translation guide
A metaphor is a figure of speech that describes something by saying it is something else, to highlight a similarity. In Japanese, metaphors are common in both everyday and literary language. This guide covers how to express the concept of 'metaphor' itself, as well as common metaphorical expressions.
Referring to the figure of speech itself, e.g., 'That's a metaphor.'
The general term for metaphor or figure of speech. Often used in the compound 隠喩 (いんゆ) for metaphor specifically, but 比喩 is more common in everyday talk about metaphors.
それは比喩です。
That's a metaphor.
比喩を使うと表現が豊かになる。
Using metaphors enriches your expression.
The specific term for metaphor (as opposed to simile). More technical; used in academic or literary contexts.
この詩には隠喩が多用されている。
This poem makes heavy use of metaphors.
Loanword from English. Common in casual or modern contexts, especially when discussing concepts from English or Western rhetoric.
それってメタファーだよね。
That's a metaphor, right?
Saying something is a metaphor for something else, e.g., 'Time is money.'
Pattern meaning 'A is a metaphor for B.' Use の to connect the metaphor to what it represents.
「時は金なり」は時間の比喩だ。
'Time is money' is a metaphor for time.
Means 'to liken A to B.' Often used to explain a metaphor. More active than the noun form.
人生を旅に例えることが多い。
Life is often likened to a journey.
Learning set phrases that are metaphorical in nature, often using body parts or nature.
Literally 'stomach stands up,' meaning to get angry. A very common metaphor using a body part.
彼の態度には腹が立つ。
His attitude makes me angry.
Literally 'eyes spin,' meaning to be very busy or dizzy. Metaphor for being overwhelmed.
Literally 'burn one's hands,' meaning to have difficulty dealing with something or someone.
Literally 'mouth is light,' meaning to be loose-lipped or unable to keep a secret.
Discussing the use of metaphor in literature or creating original metaphors.
Means 'figurative expression' or 'metaphorical expression.' Used when analyzing or creating literary metaphors.
この小説は比喩表現が巧みだ。
This novel uses metaphorical expressions skillfully.
In Japanese, you can create metaphors using 〜のような (like) for similes, or directly stating AはBだ for stronger metaphors. Use まるで (as if) to emphasize the comparison.
彼女の笑顔は太陽のようだ。
Her smile is like the sun.
人生は舞台だ。
Life is a stage.
比喩 (ひゆ) is a metaphor or figure of speech. 例え (たとえ) is an example or comparison. While related, 例え話 is an illustrative story, not necessarily a metaphor.
それは比喩ではなく、実際の話です。
That's not a metaphor; it's a true story.
Japanese has many metaphors using body parts (腹, 目, 手, 口, etc.). Learning these will make your Japanese sound more natural and idiomatic.
仕事が多くて目が回る。
I'm so busy I don't know which way is up.
I'm having a hard time with that child.
Be careful because he can't keep a secret.
Literally 'want to borrow even a cat's paws,' meaning to be extremely busy and need any help available.
猫の手も借りたいほど忙しい。
I'm so busy I could use any help I can get.