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Proverbs

Japanese meaning of 時は金なり

Reading:

ときはかねなり (Toki wa kane nari)

English Translation:

Time is money

Scene:

Meaning & Cultural Context

Meaning:

Time is as valuable as money. This proverb teaches that wasting time is like wasting money, and encourages people to manage their time carefully, making the most of every moment for success and fulfillment.
日本語で読む
時間はお金と同じかそれ以上に貴重であり、無駄にせず大切に使うべきだという教えです。効率よく時間を活用し、人生を充実させることの大切さを説いています。

Cultural Context:

Reflects a practical and modern value in both Japanese and Western culture.
日本語で読む
日本でも西洋でも広く共有される現代的な価値観。

Grammar & Learning Points

Grammar Point

Uses "は" as a topic marker and "なり" as an old form of "is."
日本語で読む
「は」で主題、「なり」で断定する古語表現。

Trap for English Speakers

Literal translation is shared with English, but "money" can also mean value.
日本語で読む
英語と同じ意味だが、「金」はお金以外の価値も含む。

Example

Example 1Basic Example

  1. 移動時間に資料を読み切ると決めた。「時は金なり」を実践すれば、仕事は前に進む。

    Time is money; he vowed to finish the deck during the commute.

Example 2Applied Example

  1. 「あと三分。時は金なり、タイムアウトまでに決めるぞ。」

    “Three minutes left. Time is money. Let’s score before the buzzer.”

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Quick check

Meaning

What does 「時は金なり」 mean?

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