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Proverbs

Japanese meaning of 餅は餅屋

Reading:

もちはもちや (mochi wa mochiya)

English Translation:

Leave it to the experts

Meaning & Cultural Context

Meaning:

Rely on specialists for the best results.
日本語で読む
専門家に任せるのが最も良い結果を生むという意味。

Cultural Context:

Reflects Japan’s respect for shokunin (craftspeople) and division of roles; common in business procurement and service selection.
日本語で読む
職人（職人文化）や分業への敬意を反映。購買・外注・サービス選定の文脈で用いられる。

Grammar & Learning Points

Grammar Point

• 餅 (mochi) = “rice cake” (noun)<br>• は (wa) = topic particle<br>• 餅屋 (mochiya) = “rice cake shop” or specialist in making mochi (noun)<br>Repetition of the same noun before and after は emphasizes expertise in a particular field.
日本語で読む
• 餅 = 「餅」を表す名詞<br>• は = 主題を示す助詞<br>• 餅屋 = 餅作りの専門家を表す名詞<br>同一名詞の反復 + 主題提示で、専門性を強調します。

Trap for English Speakers

Literal meaning may confuse learners; it means trust specialists rather than handling everything yourself.
日本語で読む
餅そのものの話に見えるが、素人より専門家に任せるべきという教訓。

Example

Example 1Basic Example

  1. 専門的なことは、その道の専門家に任せるのがよい。まさに餅は餅屋だ。

    It’s best to leave specialized work to the experts—leave it to the experts.

Example 2Applied Example

  1. 恋愛相談はやっぱり恋多きあの子に頼むべき、餅は餅屋だよね。

    When it comes to love advice, I go to the friend with the most dating experience—leave it to the experts.

Quick check

Meaning

What does 「餅は餅屋」 mean?

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