Proverbs
Japanese meaning of 渡る世間に鬼はなし
Voice sample:
わたるせけんにおにはなし (Wataru seken ni oni wa nashi)
English Translation:
There are no demons in this world / Kind people are everywhere
Scene: Encouragement Chat
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
The world is not full of cold-hearted people; kind people can always be found. This proverb encourages trust in others.
日本語で読む
世の中は冷たい人ばかりではなく、どこにでも親切な人はいるという意味。
Cultural Context:
A popular TV drama played on it with the title 渡る世間は鬼ばかり ("the world is full of demons").
日本語で読む
これをもじった『渡る世間は鬼ばかり』というテレビドラマもあります。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
渡る世間 means "the world you pass through," and なし is the classical form of ない.
日本語で読む
「渡る世間」は「人が生きていく世の中」、「なし」は「ない」の古い形です。
Trap for English Speakers
鬼 here means a cruel person, not a real demon.
日本語で読む
ここでの「鬼」は本物の鬼ではなく、冷酷な人のたとえです。
Example
Example 1Basic Example
旅先で財布を落としたけど、親切な人が届けてくれた。渡る世間に鬼はなしだね。
I dropped my wallet on a trip, but a kind person returned it. Kind people are everywhere.
Example 2Applied Example
傷ついて山道に倒れた浪人を、通りがかりの百姓が家に運んで手当てした。渡る世間に鬼はなし。
A wounded masterless samurai collapsed on a mountain path, and a passing farmer carried him home and treated him. There are no demons in this world.
Quick check
Meaning
What does 「渡る世間に鬼はなし」 mean?