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.
これは有名な格言だ。
This is a famous maxim.
祖父はよく格言を引用して話した。
My grandfather often spoke by quoting proverbs.
「時は金なり」という格言は世界中で知られている。
The maxim 'time is money' is known throughout the world.
Distinguished from related words: 諺 (proverb) refers to folk sayings passed down through generations, while 格言 tends to refer to more literary or attributed sayings. 名言 (famous saying) emphasizes that the quote is well-known and often attributed to a specific person. Common collocations include 格言を引用する (to quote an aphorism) and 格言集 (collection of maxims).