1.
like father, like son; children take after their parents
a proverb meaning that children tend to resemble their parents in character or ability
蛙の子は蛙というように、彼も父親と同じ職業を選んだ。
As they say, like father like son—he chose the same profession as his father.
蛙の子は蛙だから、特別な才能は期待しない方がいい。
Since the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, it's better not to expect special talent.
親が音痴だから、蛙の子は蛙で私も歌が下手だ。
Since my parents are tone-deaf, like father like son—I'm bad at singing too.
LITERAL MEANING:
Literally "a frog's child is a frog," implying that a frog cannot produce a different animal.
USAGE NOTE:
This proverb is often used in a self-deprecating or humble way. It can also carry a slightly negative nuance, suggesting that extraordinary achievement isn't expected from ordinary parents.
CONTRAST:
- 鳶が鷹を生む (a kite produces a hawk) - the opposite meaning: an exceptional child born to ordinary parents
SIMILAR ENGLISH EXPRESSIONS:
- Like father, like son
- The apple doesn't fall far from the tree
- A chip off the old block