格 言(かくげん)

かくげん

noun

aphorism; maxim; proverb

1. aphorism; maxim; proverb

A short, memorable saying that expresses a general truth or piece of advice. Often attributed to a specific person or tradition.

これは有名(ゆうめい)な格言(かくげん)だ。

This is a famous maxim.

祖父(そふ)はよく格言(かくげん)を引用(いんよう)して話(はな)した。

My grandfather often spoke by quoting proverbs.

「時(とき)は金(かね)なり」という格言(かくげん)は世界中(せかいじゅう)で知(し)られている。

The maxim 'time is money' is known throughout the world.

Distinguished from related words: 諺(ことわざ) (proverb) refers to folk sayings passed down through generations, while 格言(かくげん) tends to refer to more literary or attributed sayings. 名言(めいげん) (famous saying) emphasizes that the quote is well-known and often attributed to a specific person. Common collocations include 格言(かくげん)を引用(いんよう)する (to quote an aphorism) and 格言(かくげん)集(しゅう) (collection of maxims).

Related Words

Compare: 諺(ことわざ) (proverb, saying, maxim)

Compare: 名言(めいげん) (famous saying)

Compare: 金言(きんげん) (wise saying)

Compare: 警句(けいく) (epigram)

general

Added 2026.3.23 19:15 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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