Japanese and Uzbek Idioms: Shared Wisdom, Shared Mentality

Abstract:

This article presents a scientific analysis of the similarities between Japanese and Uzbek idioms. Through examples, the shared aspects of both nations’ worldviews are revealed. The meanings of the idioms and their cultural significance are examined, as well as their importance in translation and language learning.

Keywords: Japanese language, Uzbek language, idioms, proverbs, mentality, culture, translation, semantic similarity, language teaching, translation practice.

Every nation’s mentality and culture are reflected through its language. Idioms and proverbs, in particular, embody the accumulated experiences, values, and perspectives of a people over centuries.

Although the Japanese and Uzbek peoples are geographically and linguistically distant, the similarities in their idioms reflect shared patterns in thought and worldview.

This article analyzes the similarities of idioms in Japanese and Uzbek based on scholarly sources.

1. Shared Mentality Reflected in Idioms

Idioms in both Japanese and Uzbek are often rooted in life experience, wisdom, and ancient proverbs. The following examples clearly demonstrate this:

七転び八起き (Nanakorobi yaoki) – “Fall seven times, rise eight.”

This corresponds directly with the Uzbek idioms.

In both cultures, this phrase expresses resilience and determination in the face of hardship.

猿も木から落ちる (Saru mo ki kara ochiru) – “Even monkeys fall from trees.”

This aligns with the Uzbek expressions .

It means that even experienced individuals can make mistakes.

蓼食う虫も好き好き (Tade kuu mushi mo sukizuki) – “Some insects even enjoy eating bitter herbs.”

This idiom corresponds with the Uzbek saying (“Everyone has different tastes”).

It highlights that personal preferences vary from person to person.

2. The Role of Idioms in National Mentality

Through idioms, nations express their life experiences, values, and psychological characteristics.

Japanese idioms tend to emphasize patience, calmness, and aesthetic values, while Uzbek idioms highlight friendship, devotion, and perseverance.

3. The Importance of Idioms in Translation and Language Learning

For translators and language learners, idioms hold particular significance.

A translator must prioritize the semantic and contextual equivalents of idioms rather than their literal meanings. This ensures that the translation feels natural and culturally appropriate.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Japanese and Uzbek idioms show many similarities, reflecting shared aspects of the two peoples’ life philosophies.

Analyzing idioms reveals the interconnection of mentalities and cultural values. In translation and language teaching, the accurate and natural rendering of idioms is of great importance.

References:

Ikegami, Y. (2005). Japanese Proverbs and Sayings. Tokyo: Kodansha International.

Toshmurodova, G. (2018). Idioms in Uzbek: Concept, Classification, Interpretation. Tashkent: Fan Publishing.

Natsume, S. (2020). Understanding Japanese Culture through Idioms. Kyoto University Press.

Komatsu, H. (2016). Japanese Idioms: Cultural Insight through Language. Osaka: Nihon Bunka Kenkyūsha.

Nazarova, G. (2019). The Role of Idioms in Translation and Their Equivalent Matches. Journal of Philological Issues, No. 2, pp. 45–49.

Khudoyberganov, Q. (2017). Theory and Practice of Translation. Tashkent: Yangi Asr Avlodi.

Oblaqulova Gulshoda was born in Bakhmal district, Jizzakh region.

She is a first-year student at the Uzbekistan State World Languages University, Faculty of Eastern Philology, majoring in Japanese Language.

I LEFT…

I am a sorrowful book, a grief-laden tome,

With yellowed pages, in pain I roam.

Read by some, in silence, alone,

Yet by many—unread, unknown…

I forgave the days,

And many I forgave, step by step.

I lived, wrapping my worth in respect.

A golden chalice—filled to the brim,

Yet, doubting bronze, I spilled not a rim…

Though love turned cruel, drifting away,

Though friends stepped back, pushing astray,

Still, I held myself, come what may—

Grateful, on this path, I did not sway…

Shamsiya Khudoynazarova Turumovna (February 15, 1973) was born in Uzbekistan. Studied at the Faculty of Journalism of Tashkent State University (1992-1998). She took first place in the competition of young republican poets (1999). Four collections of poems have been published in Uzbekistan: “Leaf of the Heart” (1998), “Roads to You” (1998), “The Sky in My Chest” (2007), “Lovely Melodies” (2013). She wrote poetry in more than ten genres. She translated some Russian and Turkish poets into Uzbek, as well as a book by YunusEmro. She lived as a political immigrant with her family for five years in Turkey.

Remembering You 

When I remember you,

My heart rejoices.

I loved you so, so much.  

And time has passed.

The years haven’t erased anything of that love.

Pure, sincere, and loyal, that I felt…

The sad moments have passed.

I just want to tell you that I love you.

And I can’t forget you…

I can’t leave my heart open.

For someone else.

Mirta Liliana Ramírez has been a poet and writer since she was 12 years old. She has been a Cultural Manager for more than 35 years. Creator and Director of the Groups of Writers and Artists: Together for the Letters, Artescritores, MultiArt, JPL world youth, Together for the letters Uzbekistan 1 and 2. She firmly defends that culture is the key to unite all the countries of the world. She works only with his own, free and integrating projects at a world cultural level. She has created the Cultural Movement with Rastrillaje Cultural and Forming the New Cultural Belts at the local level and also from Argentina to the world.

The mood 

Cats lie on trash bins with tales pointed south,

Arabic Simoom blow high up to heavens.

The gawkers today better shut their own mouths,

The curious sand will get under the palate.

Cars hide under canvas that is set adrift

Dust busily gets under every eyelid.

The nature presents with a very harsh gift

The heart in the chest just refuses to beat.

Today I don’t love me and I don’t love you,

I’ll be the wind that makes all the roofs shutter.

Don’t mind me, friends, I’m feeling blue,

And verses are born that don’t really matter.

Nigar Nurulla Khalilova is a poet, novelist, translator from Azerbaijan, Baku city, currently in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. She is a member of Azerbaijan Writers Union. Nigar N. Khalilova graduated from Azerbaijan Medical university, holds a Ph.D degree. She has been published in the books, literary magazines, anthologies and newspapers in Azerbaijan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, USA over the years. Nigar N. Khalilova participated in poetry festivals and was published in the international poetry festivals anthologies. Conducted data in the Austin International Poetry Festival (AIPF), 2016-2017.

Soul of the Book

A sleeping ocean, its inky waves,

dragging secrets in its depths,

stories whispered in a forgotten language,

echoes of voices that fade in time.

A forbidden garden, withered paper flowers,

its petals, words worn by time,

each scent, a dusty memory,

an echo of emotions lost in the mist.

A fogged-up mirror reflects blurred shadows,

dream worlds that dissolve upon touching them,

deep silences, where memory hides,

and dreams are lost in the darkness.

A caged bird, broken paper wings,

its song, a whisper drowned by silence,

in search of an unattainable sky,

imprisoned between the pages, in an eternal twilight.

A petrified heart, beneath cracked leather,

weak heartbeats, a distant echo of lost dreams,

hopes turned to ashes,

fears rooted in darkness.

GRACIELA NOEMI VILLAVERDE is a writer and poet from Concepción del Uruguay (Entre Rios) Argentina, based in Buenos Aires She graduated in letters and is the author of seven books of poetry, awarded several times worldwide. She works as the World Manager of Educational and Social Projects of the Hispanic World Union of Writers and is the UHE World Honorary President of the same institution Activa de la Sade, Argentine Society of Writers. She is the Commissioner of Honor in the executive cabinet IN THE EDUCATIONAL AND SOCIAL RELATIONS DIVISION, of the UNACCC SOUTH AMERICA ARGENTINA CHAPTER.

Being Complacent

Don’t blame the government system

Every country has the same problem

Don’t blame the police force

Being omniscient is not part of their course

Don’t blame the gender

It could be a girl, a boy, or the other

Don’t blame the race

Doesn’t matter, anyone loses trace

Don’t blame the generation

It’s been around every era and nation

Don’t blame the children

It’s not their fault for being frightened

Let’s not be complacent in protection

Anyone can be a victim of abduction

Be aware where your child is

Let an adult always be there, please

Be alone or with a group of friends

It will not hinder those hated fiends

Or even in a public place in a community

One can never guarantee a long time of safety

Crime takes just a moment for you or me

Never be smug and think it will never be.

What Makes A King

What makes a king

Is it about the messages that never fade

Is it about the miracles that were made

Is it the actions that discrimination forbade

What makes a king

Is it the sufferings yet never did complain

Is it the horrors showing of souls drain

Is it about forgiving beyond death’s pain

What makes a king

Is it the conquering death by resurrection

Is it about man’s original sin’s destruction

Is it promise of whole world’s redemption

What makes a king

To believers and unbelievers hope bring

The promise that in no one church cling

Of Unity and Equality all mankind can sing

But what makes a King?

Lilian Dipasupil Kunimasa was born January 14, 1965, in Manila Philippines. She has worked as a retired Language Instructor, interpreter, caregiver, secretary, product promotion employee, and private therapeutic masseur. Her works have been published as poems and short story anthologies in several language translations for e-magazines, monthly magazines, and books; poems for cause anthologies in a Zimbabwean newspaper; a feature article in a Philippine newspaper; and had her works posted on different poetry web and blog sites. She has been writing poems since childhood but started on Facebook only in 2014. For her, Poetry is life and life is poetry.

Lilian Kunimasa considers herself a student/teacher with the duty to learn, inspire, guide, and motivate others to contribute to changing what is seen as normal into a better world than when she steps into it. She has always considered life as an endless journey, searching for new goals, and challenges and how she can in small ways make a difference in every path she takes. She sees humanity as one family where each one must support the other and considers poets as a voice for Truth in pursuit of Equality and proper Stewardship of nature despite the hindrances of distorted information and traditions.

Evening Time

After a hot day,

The sun gradually moves to the west.

The heat of a summer day becomes cold.

The land and everything gets relief.

The big fireball in the sky.

Goes far and becomes small.

The giant white sun

Becomes a yellow ball.

A cold fresh air comes from the east.

To give a new life to the creations.

The leaves of the trees.

Dance with the cold wind.

The coconut trees spread their heads

Above, to feel the cold air.

After a summer day,

The trees want water from us,

To get a new life.

After a summer day,

They want water,

To release their tiredness!

The nature also feels happy,

When it becomes cool!

The entire sky becomes yellowish,

With the evening’s yellow sun.

The sun dives into the sea!

In the evening.

The sun goes to its home,

With a yellowish color.

The birds also go their home,

With the sun!

A summer’s day ends,

With a cold sky!

Summer and Rain

Summer is the time of heat.

It turns everyplace into desert.

A place which is not a desert,

But feels like a desert!

For the heat storm.

Which comes from everywhere.

The water everywhere, feels boiling!

The road works like a heated pan.

The room is an oven!

Where people being cooked!

Sunlight is like fire.

Which wants to burn everything.

It comes through the cloud,

By breaking the clouds.

This heat is intolerable.

General people feel it like hell!

In this hell,

Rain comes from the sky.

The hell gets water,

Heat become cold.

Cold air comes from the east.

Which gives a new life to mankind.

The animals also get a new life.

The birds also can fly into a new sky.

Finally, the desert becomes cold.

By the blessing of God.

Don Bormon is a student in grade ten at Harimohan Government High School, Chapainawabganj, Bangladesh.