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

他山の石以て玉を攻むべし

Reading

Kana: たざんのいしもってたまをおさむべし
Romaji: tazannoishimottetamawoosamubeshi
Kana
Romaji

Definition

exp
1

one should learn from other's mistakes; stones from other mountains can be used to polish one's own gems

Note: archaism; proverb
See also: 他山の石

Kanji

Readings: タ、 ほか
Meanings: other, another, the others
Readings: サン、 セン、 やま
Meaning: mountain
Readings: セキ、 シャク、 コク、 いし
Meaning: stone
Readings: イ、 もっ.て
Meanings: by means of, because, in view of, compared with
Readings: ギョク、 たま、 たま-、 -だま
Meanings: jewel, ball
Readings: コウ、 せ.める
Meanings: aggression, attack, criticize, polish