Nou aru Taka wa Tsume wo Kakusu (能ある鷹は爪を隠す - He who Knows most Speaks least)

Today I would like to introduce you to the popular Japanese proverb, nou aru taka wa tsume wo kakusu (能ある鷹は爪を隠す).

Nou aru (能ある) means "capable," taka (鷹) means "hawk," tsume (爪) means "nail/claw," and kakusu (隠す) means "to hide something."

That is to say, the literal meaning of this proverb is "A capable hawk hides the claws."

In fact, a capable hawk hides the sharp claws so that prey doesn't understand the situation.

On the other hand, a capable person doesn't brag or brandish the ability lightly.

This proverb is a kind of compliments, which likens such a capable person to a capable hawk.

能ある鷹は爪を隠す

今日は「爪」を使った有名なことわざ「能ある鷹は爪を隠す」を紹介します。

「能ある」は "capable," 「鷹」は "hawk," 「爪」は "nail/claw," 「隠す」は "to hide something" を意味します。

すなわち、このことわざの文字通りの意味は "A capable hawk hides the claws" です。

有能な鷹は、獲物に悟られないように、普段はその鋭い爪を隠しておきます。

また、真に実力や能力のある人は、それを軽々しく見せびらかしたり自慢したりしません。

このことわざは、そのような人を有能な鷹にたとえた誉め言葉というわけです。