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.'
あなたの座右の銘は何ですか。
What is your personal motto?
座右の銘は「継続は力なり」です。
My motto is 'Persistence is power.'
面接で座右の銘を聞かれることがあるので、準備しておくといい。
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 means "at one's side" and 銘 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:
- 座右の銘にする: to adopt as one's motto
- 座右の銘は〜です: my motto is...
- 座右の銘を聞く: to ask someone's motto
SIMILAR WORDS:
- モットー: motto — loanword from English, more casual
- 信条: creed, belief — broader, refers to a set of beliefs or principles
- 教訓: lesson, moral — focuses on a lesson learned from experience