It is just like English sayings and phrases, there are Japanese sayings and phrases as well. It is called [kotowaza ことわざ].

What is the KOTOWAZA?

Kotowaza is the Japanese saying/phrases which expresses people’s wisdom and it has been told by many people from long time ago. And it is an example of something and a teachings of the life.

Today’s kotowaza

案ずるより生むが易し・ANZURU YORI UMU GA YASUSHI

The Origin

It has came from the fact that we worry many things before giving a birth but after giving a birth, actually we realize that it was not that much worrying thing.

Its meaning

Anzuru – shinpai suru (to worry)

Yasushi – kantan (easy)

We worry many things before doing something, however we can easily do when we just do it.

It is easier to do something than worry about it/the anxiety comes from doing nothing is worse than any danger you might face

How to use it

駅前の歯医者さんは、やさしい先生だそうだよ。案ずるより生むが易しだ。怖がっていないで早く行ったほうがいいよ。

Ekimae no haisha san wa yasashi sensei da sodayo. Anzuru yori umu ga yasushi da. Kowagatte inaide hayaku itta hoga iiyo.

I heard that the dentist in front of the station was a kind dentist. It is easier to do something about it than worry about it. Don’t be scare, I think you better go quickly.

arigato