Yojijukugo「四字熟語」
A long time ago, I proofread articles for American English writers. Their topic was Japanese culture. I checked only the content, and I didn’t correct their English grammar.😅
昔、アメリカ人のライターさん達の記事を校正したことがあります。トピックが日本文化についてだったので、私は内容をチェックしただけで英語の添削はしませんでした。😅
One of their articles was Japanese Four-Character Idioms.
彼らの記事の中に、日本の四字熟語について紹介されていました。
Do you know “Ichigo Ichie” (一期一会)?
みなさんは、「一期一会」を知っていますか？
It literally means “One time, One meeting.” and “One chance, One encounter.”
The English translation varies. If I translate the concept of it using my own words, it would be “Every meeting is precious.” in English. Alternatively, I can translate it as “Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
英語の訳し方も様々ですが、私自身の言葉で表現するならば、「毎回の出会いが貴重である」あるいは、「一生に一度のチャンス」といったところでしょうか。
I want to share other idioms.
他の四字熟語も紹介したいと思います。
➀ Juunin Toiro 十人十色
It literally means “Ten people, Ten colors.”
“Different strokes for different folks.” and “To each his own.” in English.
② Jakuniku kyoushoku 弱肉強食
It literally means “The weak are meat, The strong do eat.”
“Survival of the Fittest.” and “Law of the Jungle.” in English.
③ Isseki Nicho(u) 一石二鳥
It literally means “One stone, Two birds.”
(Killing two birds with one stone)
“To solve two problems with one single action.” in English.
④ Ichinichi Ippo 一日一歩
It literally means “One day, One step.” and “One step each day.”
“One day at a time.” in English but I prefer this translation “Take one step a day towards our goals.”
⑤ Shunkashuutou 春夏秋冬
It literally means “Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter.”
“The four seasons of the year.” in English.
Are you interested in Japanese Four-Character Idioms (四字熟語)?😊
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