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Proverbs

Japanese meaning of 人の振り見て我が振り直せ

ひとのふりみてわがふりなおせ (Hito no furi mite waga furi naose)

English Translation:

Learn from the mistakes of others / Learn wisdom by the follies of others

Scene:

Meaning & Cultural Context

Meaning:

When you notice other people's behavior, use it as a chance to reflect on and correct your own. This proverb teaches self-improvement through observing others.
日本語で読む
他人の行動を見て、良いところは見習い、悪いところは自分も直すべきだという教え。人を責める前に自分を省みることを説いています。

Cultural Context:

It may be used in school and family upbringing, reflecting the Japanese emphasis on self-reflection (反省).
日本語で読む
学校や家庭のしつけで使われることがあり、「反省」を重んじる日本の価値観が表れています。

Grammar & Learning Points

Grammar Point

見て is the te-form of 見る, 直せ is the imperative of 直す, and 我が is an old way to say "my own."
日本語で読む
「見て」は「見る」のて形、「直せ」は「直す」の命令形。「我が」は古風な「自分の」です。

Trap for English Speakers

It is not about criticizing others; the focus is on fixing your own behavior.
日本語で読む
他人を批判するための言葉ではなく、自分の行いを直すことに重点があります。

Example

Example 1Basic Example

  1. 遅刻ばかりの同僚を見て、人の振り見て我が振り直せと思った。

    Seeing my coworker who's always late, I thought: learn from the mistakes of others.

Example 2Applied Example

  1. 物音を立てて見つかった仲間を見て、若い忍びは自分の足運びを確かめた。人の振り見て我が振り直せだ。

    Seeing his comrade get caught for making noise, the young ninja checked his own footsteps. Learn from the mistakes of others.

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Quick check

Meaning

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