Tigers, Devils, and Fools: A Guide to Japanese Proverbs [Paperback]

Edward Trimnell (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0974833029 | ISBN-13: 978-0974833026 | Publication Date: December 29, 2004 | Edition: Bilingual

A guide to the most useful and common Japanese proverbs. Proverbs are given in kanji, hiragana, and romaji. English definitions and cultural explanations are included. Recommended for all students of the Japanese language, and anyone with an interest in Japanese culture.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Some readers and reviewers have inquired about the title of this book..The title is a reflection of the wide range of topics covered by Japanese proverbs. You are about to enter a world inhabited by a host of diverse characters, including: samurai, frogs, snakes, merchants, sparrows, thieves, tigers, devils, and fools....A solid grasp of the proverbs is one of the factors that distinguishes serious students of Japanese from beginners. Your demonstrated knowledge of Japanese proverbs will pay dividends in reading, conversation, and an enhanced understanding of Japanese culture...One encounters proverbs frequently in Japan, in newspapers, business negotiations, and daily conversations. A salaried office worker may emphasize the need to move quickly on the development of a new product with the phrase "hayai mono gachi." Parents admonish their more unfocused offspring with the expression "tagei wa mugei." And there are a host of Japanese proverbs that cover friendship, enmity, and romantic relationships.

Product Details

• Paperback: 168 pages
• Publisher: Beechmont Crest Publishing; Bilingual edition (December 29, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0974833029
• ISBN-13: 978-0974833026
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,550,185 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Edward Trimnell writes books on a number of topics in the fields of history, language, and business. His books have been used in college classrooms, and quoted by sources as diverse as the U.S. Army and the Wall Street Journal. Edward currently resides in Ohio.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A serious approach to Japanese proverbs, September 7, 2005

By 

Rick_Stevens_California "Rick S." (Seal Beach) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tigers, Devils, and Fools: A Guide to Japanese Proverbs (Paperback)

Most Japanese proverbs books contain more cute drawings than proverbs. This book is different. Not only does it contain more proverbs than the other books on the market, it also contains usage examples for some of them. This is a Japanese proverbs book that was written for serious students of the language, rather than readers who simply have some passing cultural curiosity in the kotowaza.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kotowaza jiten, January 28, 2006

By 

Ariel G. Scafuri "ascafuri" (Fortaleza, Brasil) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tigers, Devils, and Fools: A Guide to Japanese Proverbs (Paperback)

This is quite a good book for those who would like to study or entretain themselves with japanese proverbs. Its organization (alfabetic order) lets you quickly find any kotowaza you need regardless the subject. Also the fact that it comes with hiragana and kanji gives even a richer information for those who appreciate japanese culture.
Worth the money.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars lot of information, wish they included MP3, September 16, 2010

By 

Feles31 (Honolulu, HI United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Tigers, Devils, and Fools: A Guide to Japanese Proverbs (Paperback)

This book has around 3 or 4 idioms per page in japanese and english with explanations and examples. Overall good, but book would have benefited from some illustrations and an MP3 track to make it stand out.