Yojijukugo
Japanese meaning of 明鏡止水
Reading:
Voice sample:
めいきょうしすい (meikyō shisui)
English Translation:
A calm and clear mind, free from distractions.
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
A calm and clear mind.
日本語で読む
邪念がなく澄み切った心境。
Cultural Context:
From Zen Buddhism, comparing the mind to a clear mirror and still water. Common in martial arts and meditation contexts.
日本語で読む
禅の思想に由来し、心を明鏡や止水にたとえる。武道や座禅の場面でよく使われる。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase with “の心” or “の精神” to indicate a calm, undisturbed state (“明鏡止水の心”).<br>• Common in Zen, martial arts, and self-discipline contexts.
日本語で読む
• 心の落ち着きや澄んだ状態を表す「〜の心」「〜の精神」（例：「明鏡止水の心」）。<br>• 禅、武道、自己修養の文脈でよく登場する。
Trap for English Speakers
May be thought of as meaning just “calm,” but it implies a deep, clear mental state, often with Zen or spiritual undertones.
日本語で読む
単なる落ち着きではなく、禅的・精神的な深い静けさを伴う点に注意。
Example
Example 1Basic Example
彼の心は明鏡止水で、動揺の色がなかった。
His mind was calm and clear, without a hint of disturbance.
Example 2Applied Example
彼の心は明鏡止水のように静まり返っていた。
His mind was as calm and clear as a polished mirror and still water.
Quick check
Meaning
What does 「明鏡止水」 mean?