How to say "saying" in Japanese

• 格言かくげんCommon
  no-adjectiveCovers the maxim and aphorism side of 'saying': a short, pointed statement of wisdom or a moral lesson. The natural choice when the English would be 'maxim' or 'aphorism' rather than a traditional proverb.
  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
  nounThe general word for a proverb: a short traditional saying expressing folk wisdom or a lesson. The word to reach for when you mean a traditional proverb; it is usually written in kana alone.
  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.

Use 「ことわざ」 for a traditional proverb, a short saying of folk wisdom passed down over time; use 格言 for a maxim or aphorism, a concise statement of wisdom or moral instruction.

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
• セイsaying
• 俚諺りげんproverb
• 言い習わしいいならわしidiom
• 成句せいくproverb
• 句くmaxim