091Japanese proverb ことわざ
魚心あれば水心
うおごころあればみずごころUogokoro areba mizugokoro
“If the fish loves the water, the water will love the fish.”
Word for wordFish heart, water heart.
The meaning
Goodwill calls forth goodwill. Relationships are mirrors: the disposition you bring is often the one you receive.
At the origin
A traditional proverb about reciprocal regard.
The characters
- 魚心 uogokorofish's heart
- あれば arebaif there is
- 水心
In practice
Make the first gesture you expect from the other.
Themes
Similar proverbs
- 055 親の心子知らず The child does not know the parent's heart.
- 139 誠心誠意 With whole heart, in full sincerity.
- 165 朝顔に釣瓶とられてもらい水 A morning glory has claimed my well bucket — I beg water next door.
- 208 水に流す Let the water carry it away.
- 215 行く春や鳥啼き魚の目は泪 Departing spring — birds cry, and there are tears in the eyes of fish.