1.
pearls before swine; wasted on someone
Something valuable given to someone who cannot appreciate its worth; offering something precious to someone who lacks the ability to understand or value it.
子供に高級ワインは豚に真珠だ。
Giving expensive wine to a child is pearls before swine.
彼に芸術の話をしても豚に真珠だよ。
Talking about art with him is like casting pearls before swine.
せっかくの名作も、興味のない人には豚に真珠だ。
Even a masterpiece is wasted on someone with no interest.
ORIGIN: This proverb is a direct equivalent of the English "pearls before swine," which comes from the Bible (Matthew 7:6). It was introduced to Japan and became a common Japanese expression.
USAGE: Used when something valuable or meaningful is given to or done for someone who cannot appreciate it. Can describe situations where effort, knowledge, or precious items are wasted on the wrong audience.
SIMILAR JAPANESE PROVERBS:
- 猫に小判 (gold coins to a cat) - more common in Japanese
- 馬の耳に念仏 (sutra to a horse's ears) - preaching falls on deaf ears
NOTE: While 豚に真珠 and 猫に小判 are similar, 猫に小判 is the more traditionally Japanese expression and is more commonly used.
Related Words
Related:
猫に小判 (similar proverb)