金言(きんげん)

きんげん
noun
wise saying; maxim; golden words
1. wise saying; maxim; golden words of wisdom
A valuable piece of advice or a memorable phrase expressing a truth. Literally 'golden words,' emphasizing the preciousness of the advice.
これは祖父(そふ)の金言(きんげん)だ。
This is a wise saying from my grandfather.
先生(せんせい)の金言(きんげん)を今(いま)でも覚(おぼ)えている。
I still remember my teacher's wise words.
「失敗(しっぱい)は成功(せいこう)のもと」という金言(きんげん)は、多(おお)くの人(ひと)に勇気(ゆうき)を与(あた)えてきた。
The maxim 'failure is the mother of success' has given courage to many people.

Literally '金(きん) (gold) + 言(げん) (words)' — words as precious as gold. Used for advice or sayings considered especially valuable or wise.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 金言(きんげん)を残(のこ)す: to leave behind wise words
  • 金言(きんげん)を胸(むね)に刻(きざ)む: to engrave wise words in one's heart
  • 人生(じんせい)の金言(きんげん): words of wisdom for life

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 格言(かくげん): proverb, maxim — more formal; often refers to established, well-known sayings
  • 名言(めいげん): famous quote — emphasizes that the words are well-known or by a famous person
  • 教訓(きょうくん): lesson, moral — focuses on the practical lesson to be learned
general
Added 2026.3.31 18:44
20500/20974_kingen