Motivation Phrases in Japanese – With English Translation

Voice sample: AI

塵も積もれば山となる

ちりもつもればやまとなる (Chiri mo tsumoreba yama to naru)

Many a little makes a mickle / Little by little, a little becomes a lot

Basic Example

少しずつでも貯金すれば、塵も積もれば山となる。

If you save a little at a time, many a little makes a mickle.

Applied Example

「また100円貯金か？」「塵も積もれば山となるって言うだろ。」

Another hundred yen in the jar? "Many a little makes a mickle, right?"

Voice sample: AI

いしのうえにもさんねん (Ishi no ue nimo sannen)

Persistence prevails / Perseverance conquers all

Basic Example

どんなに成果が出なくても、石の上にも三年だと思って続けるべきだ。

Even if results don't come quickly, you should keep going — persistence prevails.

Applied Example

3年間、誰より早く道場に来ては素振りを続けた。石の上にも三年、今日こそその成果を見せる時だ。

For three years, he came to the dojo earlier than anyone and kept swinging. Persistence prevails — today was the time to show it.