PhraseNinja

Proverbs

Japanese meaning of 能ある鷹は爪を隠す

Reading:

のうあるたかはつめをかくす (nō aru taka wa tsume o kakusu)

English Translation:

Still waters run deep

Meaning & Cultural Context

Meaning:

Truly skilled people don’t flaunt their ability.
日本語で読む
本当に実力のある人は誇示しないということ。

Cultural Context:

Aligns with norms of humility/enryo; used in schools and offices to praise quiet competence or advise modesty.
日本語で読む
謙虚や遠慮の規範と一致。学校・職場で寡黙な有能さの称賛や慎みを促す際に用いる。

Grammar & Learning Points

Grammar Point

• 能ある鷹 (nō aru taka) = “talented hawk” (noun phrase)<br>• は (wa) = topic particle<br>• 爪 (tsume) = “claw/talon” (noun)<br>• を (o) = object marker<br>• 隠す (kakusu) = “to hide” (verb, plain form)<br>Topic–comment structure with a transitive verb, expressing restraint despite ability.
日本語で読む
• 能ある鷹 = 「能力のある鷹」を表す名詞句<br>• は = 主題を示す助詞<br>• 爪 = 「爪・かぎ爪」を表す名詞<br>• を = 目的語を示す助詞<br>• 隠す = 動詞「隠す」の基本形<br>能力を示さず控えることを表す主題–述部構造です。

Trap for English Speakers

Literal meaning may confuse learners; it’s about concealing skill until needed, not arrogance.
日本語で読む
鷹の爪の直訳に引きずられがちだが、能力を必要な時まで隠す姿勢の比喩。

Example

Example 1Basic Example

  1. 実力者ほど控えめで、能ある鷹は爪を隠すものだ。

    Those with real skill are modest—still waters run deep.

Example 2Applied Example

  1. 「フッ…能ある鷹は爪を隠すってな」剣を抜かずに敵を倒す。

    “Heh… still waters run deep,” he said, defeating the foe without drawing his sword.

Quick check

Meaning

What does 「能ある鷹は爪を隠す」 mean?

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