石(いし)の上(うえ)にも三年(さんねん)

いしのうえにもさんねん
expression
perseverance pays off
proverb
1. perseverance pays off, patience brings success
Literally 'even sitting on a stone for three years' - persistence and patience will eventually bring results.
「石(いし)の上(うえ)にも三年(さんねん)」というから、もう少(すこ)し頑張(がんば)ろう。
As the saying goes 'perseverance pays off,' so let's keep trying a bit longer.
石(いし)の上(うえ)にも三年(さんねん)で、やっと仕事(しごと)に慣(な)れた。
After three years of persistence, I finally got used to the job.
石(いし)の上(うえ)にも三年(さんねん)の気持(きも)ちで続(つづ)けている。
I'm continuing with the mindset of 'perseverance pays off.'

Literal meaning: "Even on a stone, three years" - referring to how even a cold stone will become warm if you sit on it for three years.

Usage: Used to encourage persistence and patience, especially in difficult situations or when learning new skills.

Nuance: Often cited when advising someone to stick with something (a job, study, relationship) rather than giving up too quickly.

Similar words

Usage

Close English equivalents

  • "Rome wasn't built in a day"
  • "Patience is a virtue"
  • "Good things come to those who wait"

Related Words

Compare: 継続(けいぞく)は力(ちから)なり (persistence pays off)
Compare: 七転(ななころ)び八起(やお)き (Fall seven times, get up eight)
general
Added 2026.1.17 13:49 · Revised 2026.10.5 21:34
06000/06194_ishinouenimosannen