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豚に真珠. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
豚に真珠, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
豚に真珠 in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
豚に真珠 you have here. The definition of the word
豚に真珠 will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
豚に真珠, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
Japanese
| Alternative spelling
|
| 豚に眞珠 (kyūjitai)
|
Etymology
Phrase composed of 豚 (buta, “pig”) + に (ni, directional particle) + 真珠 (shinju, “pearl”), calque of English cast pearls before swine.
Phrase
豚に真珠 • (buta ni shinju)
- (idiomatic) "pearls to swine" → to cast pearls before swine
- Synonyms: 猫に小判, 犬に論語, 馬耳東風, 馬の耳に念仏
Usage notes
The traditional Japanese equivalent is 猫に小判 (neko ni koban, “gold coins to cats”).
References
- ^ Kodansha’s Dictionary of Basic Japanese Idioms, by Jeff Garrison, Kodansha, p. 42