1.
perseverance pays off, patience brings success
Literally 'even sitting on a stone for three years' - persistence and patience will eventually bring results.
「石の上にも三年」というから、もう少し頑張ろう。
As the saying goes 'perseverance pays off,' so let's keep trying a bit longer.
石の上にも三年で、やっと仕事に慣れた。
After three years of persistence, I finally got used to the job.
石の上にも三年の気持ちで続けている。
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 PROVERBS:
- 継続は力なり - Continuity is power
- 七転び八起き - Fall seven times, get up eight
ENGLISH EQUIVALENTS:
- "Rome wasn't built in a day"
- "Patience is a virtue"
- "Good things come to those who wait"