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Proverbs

Japanese meaning of 年寄りの冷や水

Reading:

としよりのひやみず (toshiyori no hiyamizu)

English Translation:

An old dog trying new tricks

Meaning & Cultural Context

Meaning:

Elderly people should avoid risky endeavors.
日本語で読む
年配者が無理をするのは危険だという意味。

Cultural Context:

Used as caution in sports, DIY, travel; intersects with Japan’s respect-for-elders norms yet warns of overexertion.
日本語で読む
スポーツ・DIY・旅行の注意喚起で使用。敬老文化と両立しつつ無理への警鐘を鳴らす。

Grammar & Learning Points

Grammar Point

• 年寄り (toshiyori) = “elderly person” (noun)<br>• の (no) = possessive/attributive particle<br>• 冷や水 (hiyamizu) = “cold water” (noun), metaphor for risky or unwise action<br>Noun phrase + の + noun phrase, used figuratively to caution against unsuitable actions.
日本語で読む
• 年寄り = 「年を取った人」を表す名詞<br>• の = 所有・連体を示す助詞<br>• 冷や水 = 「冷たい水」を意味し、比喩的に無理や危険を表す名詞<br>名詞句 + の + 名詞句 という形で、行為者を限定しつつ危険性を強調します。

Trap for English Speakers

Literal meaning may confuse learners; it warns against overexertion in old age.
日本語で読む
冷水の話に見えるが、年配者の無理への注意喚起。

Example

Example 1Basic Example

  1. 年配の人が若者向けのことに挑戦するのは、年寄りの冷や水だ。

    An old dog trying new tricks—when the elderly try youthful things.

Example 2Applied Example

  1. 担任が恋愛リアリティ番組に出演？年寄りの冷や水だよ…

    Our teacher on a dating reality show? That’s an old dog trying new tricks.

Quick check

Meaning

What does 「年寄りの冷や水」 mean?

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