Japanese meaning of 釈迦に説法
Reading:
しゃかにせっぽう (shaka ni seppō)
English Translation:
Preaching to the choir
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Explaining something obvious to someone who already knows it is pointless.
Cultural Context:
References preaching to Shakyamuni Buddha. Used in academic or professional contexts.
すでに知っている人に説明するのは無意味という意味。
釈迦に説法する様子に由来。学術や専門職の場面で使われる。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• 釈迦 (Shaka) = “Shakyamuni” (the historical Buddha) (proper noun)
• に (ni) = particle indicating the target or recipient of an action
• 説法 (seppō) = “preaching” or “sermon” (noun; compound of 説 “to explain” + 法 “Buddhist teaching”)
A noun phrase formed by noun + に + noun, implying giving a teaching to one who already fully knows it.
Trap for English Speakers
May be translated too literally as “preaching to Buddha,” missing that it’s about giving advice to an expert.
Example
Basic Example
その分野で彼に基本を説明するなんて、釈迦に説法だよ。
Explaining basics to him in that field is Preaching to the choir.
Applied Example
伝説の錬金術師に調合の基礎を語るの？釈迦に説法だ。
Telling a legendary alchemist how to brew? Preaching to the choir.