Japanese meaning of 和光同塵
Reading:
わこうどうじん (wakou doujin)
English Translation:
Concealing one's light and blending with the dust
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Hiding one's talents to blend into society.
Cultural Context:
From Buddhist thought; valued as humility.
才能や徳を隠して世の中に溶け込むこと。
仏教思想に由来し、謙虚さの価値を表す。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase meaning to hide one’s brilliance and blend in with the surroundings; often with “する.”
Trap for English Speakers
May be taken literally as “light blending with dust” without recognizing it as a metaphor for humility or discretion.
Example
Basic Example
彼は和光同塵の姿勢で周囲に溶け込んでいる。
He blends into his surroundings by concealing his light and blending with the dust.
Applied Example
彼は才能を隠し、和光同塵のように静かに生きている。
He hides his talent and lives quietly, like concealing one’s light and blending with the dust.