座右(ざゆう)の銘(めい)

ざゆうのめい
noun
personal motto; favorite maxim
expressionculture
1. personal motto; favorite maxim; guiding principle
A phrase, proverb, or saying that a person keeps in mind as a guiding principle in life. Literally 'inscription at one's right side.'
あなたの座右(ざゆう)の銘(めい)は何(なん)ですか。
What is your personal motto?
座右(ざゆう)の銘(めい)は「継続(けいぞく)は力(ちから)なり」です。
My motto is 'Persistence is power.'
面接(めんせつ)で座右(ざゆう)の銘(めい)を聞(き)かれることがあるので、準備(じゅんび)しておくといい。
You may be asked about your personal motto in an interview, so it's good to prepare one.

Literally means "inscription at one's right side," referring to the ancient Chinese practice of keeping a guiding inscription on the right side of one's desk. 座右(ざゆう) means "at one's side" and 銘(めい) means "inscription" or "engraved words."

Usage

This is a very common question in Japanese self-introductions, job interviews, and school profiles. People typically choose a proverb, a famous quote, or a personal principle.

Common collocations

  • 座右(ざゆう)の銘(めい)にする: to adopt as one's motto
  • 座右(ざゆう)の銘(めい)は〜です: my motto is...
  • 座右(ざゆう)の銘(めい)を聞(き)く: to ask someone's motto

Similar words

Related Words

Compare: モットー (motto)
Compare: 信条(しんじょう) (creed, belief)
Compare: 教訓(きょうくん) (lesson, moral)
Compare: 人生哲学(じんせいてつがく) (philosophy of life)
general
Added 2026.3.30 3:11 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
20500/20568_zayuunomei