Japanese meaning of 立て板に水
Reading:
たていたにみず (tateita ni mizu)
English Translation:
Smooth as silk
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Smooth as silk.
Cultural Context:
Silk’s role as a prized material in Japanese history makes this metaphor culturally rich.
とても流暢で滑らかという意味。
日本史における高級素材としての絹の存在が、この比喩に文化的な深みを与えている。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• 立て板 (tateita) = “upright board” (noun)
• に (ni) = particle indicating the target or contact point
• 水 (mizu) = “water” (noun)
A noun + particle + noun structure, evoking the smooth flow of water down a vertical surface; used metaphorically for smooth speech.
Trap for English Speakers
Could be taken as literally pouring water down a board, not smoothness in speech/action.
Example
Basic Example
彼女のプレゼンは立て板に水で、聞き入ってしまった。
Her presentation flowed Smooth as silk.
Applied Example
詠唱が立て板に水で、バフが途切れない。
His spellcasting rhythm was Smooth as silk.