Japanese meaning of 温故知新
Reading:
おんこちしん (onko chishin)
English Translation:
Learning from the past
Scene & Cultural Context
Cultural Context:
Learning from previous generations or past experiences is deeply respected in Japanese society. This belief appears in education, craftsmanship, and traditional arts, where understanding the past is a foundation for growth.
日本では、歴史や先人の経験から学ぶことが重要視され、教育、伝統工芸、武道などの分野で「過去を知って今に活かす」という考え方が根付いています。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
The phrase uses a gerund (“learning”) as the subject, and the preposition “from” introduces the source of knowledge.
Trap for English Speakers
This phrase does not only refer to historical study. It can also be used for learning from one’s personal past experiences.