Japanese meaning of 餅は餅屋
Reading:
もちはもちや (mochi wa mochiya)
English Translation:
Leave it to the experts
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Rely on specialists for the best results.
Cultural Context:
Reflects Japan’s respect for shokunin (craftspeople) and division of roles; common in business procurement and service selection.
専門家に任せるのが最も良い結果を生むという意味。
職人（職人文化）や分業への敬意を反映。購買・外注・サービス選定の文脈で用いられる。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• 餅 (mochi) = “rice cake” (noun)
• は (wa) = topic particle
• 餅屋 (mochiya) = “rice cake shop” or specialist in making mochi (noun)
Repetition of the same noun before and after は emphasizes expertise in a particular field.
Trap for English Speakers
Literal meaning may confuse learners; it means trust specialists rather than handling everything yourself.
Example
Basic Example
専門的なことは、その道の専門家に任せるのがよい。まさに餅は餅屋だ。
It’s best to leave specialized work to the experts—leave it to the experts.
Applied Example
恋愛相談はやっぱり恋多きあの子に頼むべき、餅は餅屋だよね。
When it comes to love advice, I go to the friend with the most dating experience—leave it to the experts.