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Proverbs

Japanese meaning of 水清ければ魚棲まず

みずきよければうおすまず (Mizu kiyokereba uo sumazu)

English Translation:

If the water is too clear, no fish will live in it

Scene:

Meaning & Cultural Context

Meaning:

A person who is too strict or too pure keeps others away.
日本語で読む
あまりに清らかで厳しすぎる人のところには、かえって人が寄りつかないという意味。

Cultural Context:

It is used as advice for leaders, teachers or parents who are too strict, and to defend a little leniency.
日本語で読む
厳しすぎる上司や先生、親へのいましめや、少しはゆるさも必要だと言うときに使います。

Grammar & Learning Points

Grammar Point

•「〜ければ」= if ~. •「棲まず」= old form of 棲まない (does not live).
日本語で読む
•「清ければ」は「清いならば」。•「棲まず」は「棲まない」の古い形。

Trap for English Speakers

It is not about real water quality; it is a metaphor for people and organizations.
日本語で読む
本当の水のことではなく、人や組織のたとえです。

Example

Example 1Basic Example

  1. 規則だらけで部員が減った部活を見て、先輩は「水清ければ魚棲まずだね」と言った。

    Seeing the club lose members because of too many rules, the senior said, "If the water is too clear, no fish will live in it."

Example 2Applied Example

  1. 掟が厳しすぎる忍びの里からは若者が去っていった。水清ければ魚棲まずである。

    The young people left the ninja village whose rules were too strict: if the water is too clear, no fish will live in it.

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Quick check

Meaning

What does 「水清ければ魚棲まず」 mean?

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