Tigers, Devils, and Fools: A Guide to Japanese Proverbs

Product Description: A guide to the most useful and common Japanese proverbs. Proverbs are given in kanji, hiragana, and romaji. English definitions and cultural explanations are included. Recommended for all students of the Japanese language, and anyone with an interest in Japanese culture.

From the Publisher: Some readers and reviewers have inquired about the title of this book..The title is a reflection of the wide range of topics covered by Japanese proverbs. You are about to enter a world inhabited by a host of diverse characters, including: samurai, frogs, snakes, merchants, sparrows, thieves, tigers, devils, and fools....A solid grasp of the proverbs is one of the factors that distinguishes serious students of Japanese from beginners. Your demonstrated knowledge of Japanese proverbs will pay dividends in reading, conversation, and an enhanced understanding of Japanese culture...One encounters proverbs frequently in Japan, in newspapers, business negotiations, and daily conversations. A salaried office worker may emphasize the need to move quickly on the development of a new product with the phrase "hayai mono gachi." Parents admonish their more unfocused offspring with the expression "tagei wa mugei." And there are a host of Japanese proverbs that cover friendship, enmity, and romantic relationships.