The Power of Action: Practice Makes Perfect in Japanese

In Japanese culture, there are several proverbs that emphasize the importance of taking action and putting in the effort rather than just speaking about it. These proverbs highlight the idea that actions speak louder than words and that practice is key to mastery.

習うより慣れろ /naɾau joɾi naɾeɾo/

One such proverb is “習うより慣れろ” which translates to “Practice makes perfect.” This simple phrase underscores the significance of repetition and familiarity in mastering a skill. It suggests that through practice and continuous effort, one can achieve excellence.

Examples of 習うより慣れろ

To achieve excellent results in sports, continuous training is necessary. Let’s adopt the mindset of “practice makes perfect（習うより慣れろ）.”

スポーツで優れた成績を収めるためには、継続的なトレーニングが必要です。習うより慣れろの精神を持ちましょう。

/supoːtsu de suguɾeta seiseki o osameɾu niwa keizoku tekina toɾeːniŋ ga hitsujoː desu. naɾau joɾi naɾeɾo no seiʃin o motʒi maʃjou/

When learning a new language, it is necessary to “become familiar with it rather than just studying（習うより慣れろ）. “ Use the language on a daily basis.

新しい言語を学ぶ際には、習うより慣れることが必要です。日常的にその言語を使用しましょう。

/ataɾaʃiː gengo o manabu niwa naɾaujoɾi naɾeɾu koto ga hitsujou desu. nitʒijou tekini sono gengo o ʃijou ʃimaʃjou/

行動は言葉より雄弁である /koudou wa kotoba joɾi juːben de aɾu/

Another proverb, “行動は言葉より雄弁である,” translates to “Action speaks louder than words.” This proverb encourages individuals to prioritize taking action over mere verbal expression. It emphasizes that actions have more impact and convey one’s true intentions more effectively than words alone.

Examples of 行動は言葉より雄弁である

To demonstrate the success of a project, it is important “not only to talk but also to take actual actions（行動は言葉より雄弁である）.”

プロジェクトの成功を証明するためには、ただ話すだけでなく、実際に行動することが重要です。

/puɾoʒekuto no seikoː o ʃjoumei suɾutame niwa tada hanasu dake dewanaku dʒissai ni koːdou suɾu kotoga dʒuːjou desu/

To gain people’s trust, “actions speak louder than words（行動は言葉より雄弁である）.”

人々の信頼を獲得するためには、言葉よりも実際の行動が重要です。

/hitobito no ʃinɾai o kakutoku suɾu niwa kotoba joɾi dʒissai no koːdou ga dʒuːjou desu/

The other examples of the importance of actions

口先よりも実践が大事

/kutʃisaki joɾi mo dʒissen ga daiʒi/

言い訳よりも行動しろ

/iːwake joɾi mo koːdoou ʃiɾo/

言うは易く行うは難し

/iu wa jasuʃi okonau wa gataʃi/

有言実行

/juːgen dʒikkou/

話半分

/hanaʃi hanbun/

話だけでは腹の足しにならぬ

/hanaʃi dake dewa haɾa no taʃi ni naɾanu/

口自慢の仕事下手

/kutʃi dʒiman no ʃigoto beta/

口では城も建つ

/kutʃi dewa ʃiɾo mo tatsu/

The above examples express the below proverbs in English

• Easier said than done
• Saying and doing are two things
• From words to deeds is a great distance
• Deeds, not words
• Talk is cheap

Actions speak louder than words

These Japanese proverbs serve as powerful reminders of the value of action and practice in achieving success. They highlight the significance of putting in the effort, honing our skills through practice, and letting our actions speak for themselves. So, let us embrace these teachings and strive to make our actions speak louder than words in our pursuit of personal and professional growth.