How to say "maxim" in Japanese

• 格言かくげんCommon
  no-adjectiveThe core word for 'maxim' as a short saying that states a moral or practical truth; it fits aphoristic sayings quoted or cited in essays, speeches, and moral instruction.
  彼かれは自分じぶんのすきな格言かくげんをいれた。↗

  He worked in his favorite maxim.
• ことわざJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounCovers 'maxim' when it means a traditional proverb: an anonymous saying handed down and widely known. Usually written in kana alone; for a coined aphorism or moral precept, 格言 is the closer choice.
  このことわざが使つかわれるのを聞きいた事ことがあります。↗

  I have heard this proverb used.
• マキシCommon
  nounA katakana loanword abbreviation rather than an ordinary term; seldom the word you want for 'maxim' as a wise saying — for that meaning use 格言, or ことわざ for traditional proverbs.

Use 格言 for a maxim as a short wise or moral saying; 「ことわざ」 when the saying is a traditional proverb handed down among people; 「マキシ」, a katakana abbreviation, is seldom the right choice for this sense.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 格言かくげんsaying
• ことわざproverb
• 箴言しんげんproverb
• マキシムmaxim
• 格率かくりつmaxim
• 公理こうりaxiom
• 金言きんげんwise saying
• 金言名句きんげんめいくgolden (wise) saying
• マキシmaxim
• 銘めいmotto
• 句くmaxim