Praise Phrases in Japanese – with English Translation

Voice sample: AI

石に立つ矢

いしにたつや (Ishi ni tatsu ya)

Where there’s a will, there’s a way

Basic Example

努力を重ねれば、不可能も石に立つ矢となる。

If you put in enough effort, the impossible becomes possible — even an arrow can stand on a stone.

Applied Example

最弱と呼ばれた剣士の一撃が、強敵の盾を貫いた。石に立つ矢だ。

The blow of the weakest swordsman pierced the enemy’s shield — an arrow standing on stone.

Voice sample: AI

おににかなぼう (Oni ni kanabou)

Adding fuel to the fire / To make a strong person even stronger

Basic Example

エースが復帰した途端、守備も攻撃も噛み合って「鬼に金棒」になった。

With the ace back, the team became even stronger—adding fuel to the fire.

Applied Example

「新装備、解禁。」彼女がグラブをはめ直すと、チームは鬼に金棒の強さを手に入れた。

“New gear, unlocked.” She tightened her glove and the team looked stronger than ever, like giving an ogre a metal club.

Voice sample: AI

さんにんよればもんじゅのちえ (Sannin yoreba Monju no chie)

Two (or three) heads are better than one

Basic Example

行き詰まった企画も、三部署でブレストしたら「三人寄れば文殊の知恵」で突破口が見えた。

When three departments brainstormed, two or three heads were better than one and the plan finally moved.

Applied Example

ベンチに戻ると、捕手とコーチが加わる。三人寄れば文殊の知恵で、次の回は三者凡退に抑えた。

Back on the bench, the catcher and coach joined in; two heads are better than one, and the next inning was three up, three down.