Japanese meaning of 馬の耳に念仏
Reading:
うまのみみにねんぶつ (Uma no mimi ni nenbutsu)
English Translation:
Casting pearls before swine / Preaching to deaf ears
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
This proverb means that giving advice or sharing wisdom is pointless if the person isn’t willing or able to listen. Just as chanting Buddhist prayers to a horse has no effect, your words will not reach someone who is not receptive, no matter how valuable they are.
相手に聞く気がなければ、どんなに大切な話や助言も無駄になってしまうというたとえです。馬に念仏を唱えても意味がないように、理解する気のない人には何を言っても響かないことを表しています。
Cultural Context:
Reflects the idea in Japanese culture that receptiveness to learning is valued.
日本文化では、助言や学びへの姿勢が重視されることが背景にあります。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
Uses a metaphor with “Buddhist prayer” and “horse’s ear.”
Trap for English Speakers
Literal translation may confuse learners; it's not about horses or prayers, but ignoring advice.
Example
Basic Example
丁寧に説明しても無視される会議は「馬の耳に念仏」で消耗するだけだ。
Explaining carefully at that meeting was like preaching to deaf ears.
Applied Example
「何回言っても聞かないな。馬の耳に念仏ってこのことだよ。」
“No matter how many times I say it, he won’t listen. This is preaching to deaf ears.”