Japanese meaning of 魚心あれば水心
Reading:
うおごころあればみずごころ (uogokoro areba mizugokoro)
English Translation:
Scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Goodwill invites goodwill in return.
Cultural Context:
Used in sales, negotiations, and local politics; tied to reciprocal obligations in Japanese society (giri/on).
相手に好意を示せば相応の好意が返ってくること。
営業・交渉・地域政治で用いられる。日本社会の互酬的関係（義理・恩）と関わる。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• 魚心 (uogokoro) = literally “fish’s heart” (noun phrase)
• あれば (areba) = conditional form of ある (aru, “to exist”)
• 水心 (mizugokoro) = “water’s heart” (noun phrase)
Noun phrase + conditional + noun phrase structure, implying mutual goodwill or reciprocity.
Trap for English Speakers
Literal meaning may confuse learners; it’s about reciprocity—goodwill invites goodwill.
Example
Basic Example
こちらが助ければ、魚心あれば水心で助け返してくれるだろう。
If we help them, they’ll likely return the favor—scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours.
Applied Example
「魚心あれば水心…だろ？」アイテムを渡して笑う。
“Scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours… right?” he said, handing over the item.