Yojijukugo
Japanese meaning of 和光同塵
Reading:
Voice sample:
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.
日本語で読む
才能や徳を隠して世の中に溶け込むこと。
Cultural Context:
From Buddhist thought; valued as humility.
日本語で読む
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.”
日本語で読む
• 自分の才能や存在感をあえて隠し、周囲と同化することを表す名詞句で、「〜する」と組み合わせて使う。
Trap for English Speakers
May be taken literally as “light blending with dust” without recognizing it as a metaphor for humility or discretion.
日本語で読む
光とほこりが混じる物理現象と直訳し、謙虚さや目立たない慎ましさを意味する比喩と結びつかないことがある。
Example
Example 1Basic 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.
Example 2Applied 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.
Quick check
Meaning
What does 「和光同塵」 mean?