Japanese sayings

猫の手も借りたい

To borrow a cat's paw

• To be so busy that you would even accept help from a cat

猿も木から落ちる

Even monkeys fall from trees

• Even experts in their field can make mistakes.

• This expression is mostly used to reassure someone who made an unsual mistake.

• French equivalent : "L'erreur est humaine" (Error is human)

朝飯前

Before breakfast

• A task being so easy and quick that you can accomplish it before even sitting down for breakfast.

• French and English equivalents : "un jeu d'enfant", "child's play".

明日のことを言うと天井のネズミが笑う

To speak of tomorrow makes the mice in the ceiling laugh

• Nobody can predict the future.

• This expression comes from

• French equivalent : "Nul ne sait de quoi demain sera fait" (Nobody knows what tomorrow will be made of).

笑う門には福来たる

Warau kado ni wa kitaru

Happiness comes to the door of those who laugh

• Joy brings happiness and prosperity.

転び八起き

Nana korobi ya oki

To fall seven times and to get back up eight times.

• Never give up and get back on your feet.

口は災いの元

Kuchi wa wazawai no moto

The mouth is the source of misfortune

• Speaking before thinking can cause trouble.

灯台下暗し

Toudai moto kurashi

It is dark under the lantern

• You don't see what's happening right under your nose.