Kotowaza
/ˌkoʊtoʊˈwɑːzə/noun
A Japanese proverb or traditional saying that expresses practical wisdom or a moral lesson.
Did you know?The Japanese word combines koto, meaning “word” or “matter,” with waza, meaning “deed” or “act,” framing a proverb as wisdom put into action.
Etymological Timeline
Old Japanese
Japanese
koto
“A word, utterance, matter, or affair”
Old Japanese
Japanese
waza
“An act, deed, work, or skill”
Classical Japanese
Japanese
kotowaza
“A traditional saying or proverbial expression”
Medieval Japanese
Japanese
諺 (kotowaza)
“A proverb conveying inherited wisdom or instruction”
Modern Japanese
Japanese
ことわざ (kotowaza)
“Proverb; established saying”
Modern English
English
kotowaza
“A Japanese proverb or saying, used as a loanword in English-language discussions of Japanese culture”