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Learning Japanese

Japanese Proverbs & Sayings

Uma no Mimi ni Nenbutsu



Last update January 5, 2020

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 Click for a text-to-speech sample

sutra chanting for horse ears

Uma no Mimi ni Nenbutsu

馬の耳に念仏

Words: 馬 Uma = horse / の no = genitive joshi particle / 耳 Mimi = ears / に ni = dative joshi particle / 念仏 Nenbutsu = chanting a Buddha name /

Pronunciation: [woo-mah-noh-mee-mee-knee neh-n-boo-two] 

English Equivalent: preach to deaf ears / talk to a wall

Notes: Any good story or advice means nothing to those who won't listen. The word Nenbutsu specifically refers to the Namu Amida Butsu chanting in a Pure Land-related denomination. I've told her a thousand times not to be late for the class! It seems my words are like Uma no Mimi ni Nenbutsu to her.
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