華を去り実に就く

Japanese

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Kanji in this term

Grade: S

Grade: 3
じつ
Grade: 3

Grade: 6
on'yomi kun'yomi on'yomi kun'yomi
Alternative spelling
華を去り實に就く (kyūjitai)

Etymology

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Literally, taking the fruit and leaving the flower.

Verb

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()()(じつ)() (ka o sari jitsu ni tsukugodan (stem ()()(じつ)() (ka o sari jitsu ni tsuki), past ()()(じつ)()いた (ka o sari jitsu ni tsuita))

  1. (idiomatic) Avoiding vanity or a showy appearance in oneself or in objects, such as by wearing plain clothes rather than gaudy clothes or driving a practical car rather than a sports car. Simplicity over vanity.