Japanese meaning of 能ある鷹は爪を隠す
Reading:
のうあるたかはつめをかくす (nō aru taka wa tsume o kakusu)
English Translation:
Still waters run deep
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Truly skilled people don’t flaunt their ability.
Cultural Context:
Aligns with norms of humility/enryo; used in schools and offices to praise quiet competence or advise modesty.
本当に実力のある人は誇示しないということ。
謙虚や遠慮の規範と一致。学校・職場で寡黙な有能さの称賛や慎みを促す際に用いる。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• 能ある鷹 (nō aru taka) = “talented hawk” (noun phrase)
• は (wa) = topic particle
• 爪 (tsume) = “claw/talon” (noun)
• を (o) = object marker
• 隠す (kakusu) = “to hide” (verb, plain form)
Topic–comment structure with a transitive verb, expressing restraint despite ability.
Trap for English Speakers
Literal meaning may confuse learners; it’s about concealing skill until needed, not arrogance.
Example
Basic Example
実力者ほど控えめで、能ある鷹は爪を隠すものだ。
Those with real skill are modest—still waters run deep.
Applied Example
「フッ…能ある鷹は爪を隠すってな」剣を抜かずに敵を倒す。
“Heh… still waters run deep,” he said, defeating the foe without drawing his sword.