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, proverb
perseverance pays off
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 PROVERBS:

ENGLISH EQUIVALENTS:

  • "Rome wasn't built in a day"
  • "Patience is a virtue"
  • "Good things come to those who wait"
general
Added 2026.1.17 13:49 · Revised 2026.6.20 3:20
06000/06194_ishinouenimosannen