Dictionary
English - Japanese
Saying
ˈseɪɪŋ
Very common
~ 2100
~ 2100
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
言葉 (ことば), 格言 (かくげん), 発言 (はつげん), 言い回し (いいまわし)
Saying meanings in Japanese
言葉 (ことば)
Example:
She has a way of saying things that makes people feel better.
彼女には人々を元気にする言い回しがあります。
What are you saying?
あなたは何を言っているのですか？
Usage: InformalContext: Everyday conversations
Note: This meaning refers to the act of expressing thoughts or opinions verbally.
格言 (かくげん)
Example:
There's a saying that goes, 'Actions speak louder than words.'
「行動は言葉よりも雄弁である」という格言があります。
I often think of the saying, 'A stitch in time saves nine.'
「時間をかけて一針縫えば九針の節約になる」という格言をよく考えます。
Usage: FormalContext: Wisdom or proverbs
Note: This meaning refers to a well-known phrase or proverb that conveys a general truth or principle.
発言 (はつげん)
Example:
His saying during the meeting was quite influential.
会議中の彼の発言は非常に影響力がありました。
She made an interesting saying about the topic.
彼女はそのトピックについて興味深い発言をしました。
Usage: Formal/InformalContext: Discussions or speeches
Note: This meaning refers to a statement or remark made by someone in a specific context, often in formal settings.
言い回し (いいまわし)
Example:
I like the saying she used; it's very poetic.
彼女が使った言い回しが好きです。それはとても詩的です。
Your saying could be improved for clarity.
あなたの言い回しは明確さを向上させることができます。
Usage: InformalContext: Writing or speaking style
Note: This refers to a specific way of expressing something, focusing on style and choice of words.
Saying's synonyms
proverb
A proverb is a short, well-known saying that expresses a general truth or piece of advice.
Example: One common proverb is 'Don't count your chickens before they hatch.'
Note: Proverbs are usually traditional and widely known, whereas sayings can be more informal or contemporary.
aphorism
An aphorism is a concise statement of a principle or truth, often witty or cleverly phrased.
Example: Benjamin Franklin is known for his aphorisms, such as 'Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.'
Note: Aphorisms are more philosophical or profound compared to general sayings.
adage
An adage is a traditional saying that conveys a common experience or observation.
Example: The adage 'Actions speak louder than words' emphasizes the importance of actions over mere words.
Note: Adages are often based on long-standing cultural or societal beliefs.
maxim
A maxim is a concise statement of a general truth or rule of conduct.
Example: The maxim 'Honesty is the best policy' suggests that being truthful is the most effective approach in life.
Note: Maxims are often presented as principles to live by.
Saying expressions, common phrases
Actions speak louder than words
This means that what someone does is more important and reliable than what they say.
Example: She promised to help, but I'll believe it when I see it. Actions speak louder than words.
Note: The emphasis is on the importance of actions over mere words.
Bite the bullet
To endure a painful or difficult situation with courage and determination.
Example: I really don't want to work this weekend, but I guess I'll just have to bite the bullet.
Note: The phrase has a literal origin, referring to soldiers biting on bullets during surgery before anesthesia.
Cut to the chase
To get to the important part of something without wasting time on details.
Example: Let's cut to the chase and get to the main point of this discussion.
Note: The phrase originated in the film industry, where 'cutting to the chase' meant moving to the exciting part of a movie.
A penny for your thoughts
A polite way of asking someone what they are thinking about or feeling.
Example: You seem lost in thought. A penny for your thoughts?
Note: The phrase is a metaphorical offer to pay for someone's thoughts.
Better late than never
It is better to do something late than to never do it at all.
Example: I know I'm late to the meeting, but better late than never, right?
Note: The phrase emphasizes the importance of completing a task, even if delayed.
Don't cry over spilled milk
Do not waste time feeling upset about something that has already happened and cannot be changed.
Example: I accidentally broke the vase, but there's no use crying over spilled milk.
Note: The idiom highlights the futility of being upset over past mistakes.
The ball is in your court
It is now your responsibility to make a decision or take action.
Example: I've done everything I can to help you. Now, the ball is in your court.
Note: The phrase comes from tennis, indicating that it is the other person's turn to respond or act.
Saying everyday (slang) expressions
Go with the flow
To be flexible and adapt to a situation without a specific plan.
Example: I don't have a plan yet, I'll just go with the flow.
Note: Unlike 'saying', which refers to expressing something in words, 'go with the flow' is about being adaptable and not resisting changes.
Speak of the devil
When someone you have just been talking about shows up unexpectedly.
Example: Oh, speak of the devil! Sarah just walked in.
Note: While 'saying' is about expressing words or thoughts, 'speak of the devil' relates to the coincidence of mentioning someone and then seeing them shortly after.
Like talking to a brick wall
Describes a situation where the person you are speaking to is not listening or understanding regardless of your efforts.
Example: Trying to convince him is like talking to a brick wall - he won't listen.
Note: Contrary to 'saying', which involves verbal communication, 'like talking to a brick wall' emphasizes the lack of response or understanding in communication.
Wordsmith
Someone who is skilled at using words, especially in writing or public speaking.
Example: She's a talented wordsmith, always crafting beautiful poems.
Note: In contrast to 'saying', which refers to the act of stating or expressing something, 'wordsmith' highlights the artistry and creativity involved in using words effectively.
Mind your Ps and Qs
To be polite and mindful of one's manners or behavior.
Example: Remember to mind your Ps and Qs when meeting your boss.
Note: Unlike 'saying', which involves expression through words, 'mind your Ps and Qs' refers to social etiquette and behavior.
The elephant in the room
An obvious problem or controversial issue that no one wants to discuss.
Example: Let's address the elephant in the room - our company's financial struggles.
Note: 'The elephant in the room' represents an unspoken issue or problem, contrasting with 'saying', which is about communicating thoughts or ideas explicitly.
Talk the talk, walk the walk
To not only speak about doing something but also to follow through with actions.
Example: Don't just talk the talk, you need to walk the walk and prove it.
Note: While 'saying' involves verbal expression, 'talk the talk, walk the walk' stresses the importance of backing up words with actions.
Saying - Examples
Saying goodbye is always hard.
As the saying goes, time heals all wounds.
He used a lot of idiomatic sayings in his speech.
Saying grammar
Saying - Verb (Verb) / Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle)
Lemma: say
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): say
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): say
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): said
Verb, past participle (Verb, past participle): said
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): saying
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): says
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): say
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): say
Syllables, Separation and Stress
saying Contains 2 syllables: say • ing
Phonetic transcription: ˈsā-iŋ
say ing , ˈsā iŋ (The red syllable is stressed)
Saying - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
saying: ~ 2100 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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