A2 Proverb 중립

他人の持ち物は良く見える

tanin no mochibutsy wa yoku mieru

Others' possessions look better.

Phrase in 30 Seconds

A proverb describing the human tendency to envy what others possess over one's own belongings.

  • Means: People often perceive others' lives or possessions as better than their own.
  • Used in: Conversations about jealousy, career choices, or comparing lifestyles with friends.
  • Don't confuse: It is not about actual value, but about the subjective perception of value.
Neighbor's lawn + envy = distorted reality

Explanation at your level:

This phrase means that we think other people's things are better than our own. It is a common way to talk about jealousy.
It describes the human habit of wanting what others have. Even if we have good things, we often look at others and feel like they have more. It is a useful phrase for giving advice to friends.
This proverb captures the psychological phenomenon where we perceive the lives or possessions of others as superior to our own. It is often used to remind people that appearances can be deceiving and that everyone has their own hidden challenges.
The phrase functions as a cognitive reframing tool. It addresses the bias of social comparison, suggesting that our perception of value is skewed by distance. By acknowledging that 'the grass is always greener,' we can mitigate feelings of inadequacy and cultivate contentment.
This expression serves as a linguistic manifestation of the 'social comparison theory.' It articulates the tendency to overestimate the utility or desirability of external assets while simultaneously discounting the intrinsic value of one's own circumstances. It is a culturally embedded heuristic for emotional regulation.
As a quintessential example of folk psychology, this proverb encapsulates the inherent dissatisfaction of the human condition. It functions as a meta-commentary on the subjectivity of perception, highlighting how the 'other' is often constructed as an idealized projection. It is a sophisticated rhetorical device used to deconstruct envy through the lens of universal fallibility.

뜻

Refers to the idea that what other people have often seems more desirable than one's own.

🌍

문화적 배경

It is often used to teach children to be grateful for what they have.

💡

Use it for comfort

It's a great way to comfort someone who is feeling down about their own life.

뜻

Refers to the idea that what other people have often seems more desirable than one's own.

💡

Use it for comfort

It's a great way to comfort someone who is feeling down about their own life.

셀프 테스트

Fill in the missing part of the proverb.

他人の持ち物は＿＿＿＿＿。

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: 良く見える

The proverb is '他人の持ち物は良く見える'.

🎉 점수: /1

시각 학습 자료

자주 묻는 질문

1 질문

No, it is a philosophical observation.

관련 표현

🔄

隣の芝生は青い

synonym

The grass is greener on the other side.

어디서 쓸까?

📱

Comparing gadgets

A: 彼の新しいスマホ、すごくかっこいいね。

B: そうだね。でも、他人の持ち物は良く見えるものだよ。

informal

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a neighbor with a shiny new car. You think it's better, but it's just 'shiny envy'.

Visual Association

Imagine looking through a pair of glasses that make everything you don't own look bright gold, while your own things look grey.

Story

Kenji was sad because his friend bought a new watch. He felt his own watch was cheap. His teacher told him: 'Remember, other people's things look better.' Kenji realized he was just comparing his life to a highlight reel.

Word Web

羨ましい比較心理隣の芝生満足価値

챌린지

For one day, every time you feel jealous of someone, say this phrase to yourself.

In Other Languages

English high

The grass is always greener on the other side.

The imagery (lawn vs. belongings) is the only major difference.

Spanish high

La hierba del vecino siempre es más verde.

None.

French high

L'herbe est toujours plus verte ailleurs.

Uses 'elsewhere' instead of 'neighbor'.

German high

Das Gras auf der anderen Seite ist immer grüner.

None.

Arabic high

عشب الجار دائماً أكثر خضرة.

None.

Chinese moderate

这山望着那山高。

Uses mountain imagery instead of lawn or belongings.

Korean high

남의 떡이 더 커 보인다.

Uses food instead of belongings.

Portuguese high

A grama do vizinho é sempre mais verde.

None.

Easily Confused

他人の持ち物は良く見える 대 隣の芝生は青い

Learners often think they are different concepts.

They are interchangeable.

자주 묻는 질문 (1)

No, it is a philosophical observation.

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