This site will be taken down March 31st, 2026.

This was not an easy decision to make. For the last couple years, I have been struggling to find motivation for this site and to keep up with basic maintenance and security updates. With the rise of AI and more sophisticated tools, the usefulness of sites like this is questionable and traffic has nose-dived. I just don't have it in me to keep doing this. Thank you all for 10 years of support!

Zach

事なかれ主義

ことなかれ主義、 事勿れ主義

Reading

Kana: ことなかれしゅぎ
Romaji: kotonakareshugi
Kana
Romaji

Definition

exp
1

(principle of) letting sleeping dogs lie; peace-at-any-price; don't rock the boat

Kanji

Readings: ジ、 ズ、 こと、 つか.う、 つか.える
Meanings: matter, thing, fact, business, reason, possibly
Readings: シュ、 ス、 シュウ、 ぬし、 おも、 あるじ
Meanings: lord, chief, master, main thing, principal
Reading: 
Meanings: righteousness, justice, morality, honor, loyalty, meaning
Readings: モチ、 ブツ、 ボツ、 なか.れ、 なし
Meanings: not, must not, do not, be not

Example Sentences

(こと)なかれ主義(しゅぎ)
➥I am playing it safe.
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ジムは万事(ばんじ)(こと)なかれ主義(しゅぎ)だ。
➥Jim always avoids trouble at all costs.
Full Entry➤
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