I'd like to improve my Japanese conversation skills.
What should I study, other than grammar and vocabulary?
Hmm…
Oh! How about proverbs?
The more you know, the more oni ni kanabo you'll be!
Oni ni kanabo?
…What is that?
鬼に金棒 (Oni ni kanabo; a demon's iron club) is a proverb.
Demons are already strong, but if they were to carry an iron club, they'd be stronger, wouldn't they?This is an example to show that when good things happen to people who are strong to begin with, they become even stronger.
Proverbs are used regularly in daily conversations, TV dramas, and anime, so knowing them will give you much more enjoyment!
In this article, we will lead you to websites and apps where you can learn about Japanese proverbs and sayings.
1. A website that uses manga to teach proverbs.
2. A website that teaches a new proverb each day.
3. An app that offers quizzes on proverbs.
Choose a method that suits you, to learn proverbs.
1. Manga proverb dictionary for elementary school students
If you don't know much about Japanese proverbs and you want to know the basics, this site is for you.
This is a site where you can learn proverbs while reading manga stories.
The title says that it's for elementary school students, but the manga stories introduce proverbs and sayings often used by adults.
Click 無料で読む (read for free) to read the manga.
As you read the manga, you will come to learn when and where to use certain proverbs.
It's easy to read with furigana on the kanji.
If you want to keep reading, click さらに表示する (show more) to read other manga stories.
These contents are included in the manga portal Gakkomi run by Gakken.
This website introduces a great number of proverbs and sayings, so I'm sure you'll find ones that you like.
My personal favorite is 花より団子 (Hana yori Dango; sweets over flowers, meaning substance over beauty)
2. Kotopedia 365
If you'd like to learn a new proverb each day, this site is for you.
These contents are part of the Japan Proverb Test Association website.
For example, let's take a look at the proverb for May 29th.
It comes with photos, another thing to look forward to, to learn the proverb of the day.
The Japan Proverb Test Association posts the same content on their Instagram and X accounts.
If you're an Instagram or X user, follow their account to automatically see a new proverb each day.
Instagram →＠kotowaza.kentei
X→＠kotowaza_kentei
If you learn one proverb each day, imagine how many you'll know, after one year!
In other words, ちりもつもれば山となる (Chiri mo tsumoreba yama to naru; Even dust, when piled up, becomes a mountain)！
This website also comes with proverb quizzes.
There are quizzes for beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. Try them all!
3. Japanese Language Drill for Elementary School Students - Study/Junior High School Entrance Exam app（Android/iOS）
If you already know Japanese proverbs or want to learn through quizzes, this app is for you!
Download Android app here
Download iOS app here
The app title mentions elementary school but it has quizzes that test not only commonly used proverbs, but also some difficult ones.
There are 195 quizzes. Let's take a peek at what they're like.
From 1 to 4, choose the correct word that fits the blank, to complete the sentence.
All of the kanji come with furigana, making it easy to learn.
When you answer the questions, whether your answer is right or wrong, the correct answer and definition will appear right away.
You will also see sample sentences and their origins (how the proverb came to be used).
You might find it difficult at first, but it's okay to make many mistakes.
After all, 失敗は成功のもと (Shippai wa seiko no moto; Failure is the key to success; Failure is the mother of invention)!
After you have answered all of the questions in the section, you can see your results.
X indicates where you have made a mistake. This will help you to review.
Now that you've read this article, don't you want to learn about Japanese proverbs?
善は急げ (Zen wa isoge; Act now, while the time is right; Strike while the iron is hot)! What are you waiting for?