Japanese meaning of 案ずるより産むが易し
Reading:
あんずるよりうむがやすし (Anzuru yori umu ga yasushi)
English Translation:
It's easier done than said / It's easier to do than to worry
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Things are often easier to accomplish than to worry about. This proverb reassures us that taking action is usually less difficult than we imagine, and that overthinking often holds us back more than the task itself.
Cultural Context:
Reflects Japanese encouragement toward decisive action rather than overthinking.
あれこれ心配するより、実際にやってみれば案外うまくいくことが多い、というたとえです。考えすぎず行動することの大切さを説いています。
日本文化で行動の大切さや、心配しすぎないことを推奨する価値観が表れています。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
Uses the comparative structure "より～が易し" to express relative ease.
Trap for English Speakers
The literal translation about childbirth ("産む") is purely metaphorical.
Example
Basic Example
新しいプロジェクトも、案ずるより産むが易しで意外と順調に進んだ。
Starting a new project turned out smoother than expected — it’s easier done than said.
Applied Example
「やってみたら案ずるより産むが易しだったな。」
Once we tried it, it was easier done than said.