Memorable Tales: Proverbs, Four-Character Idioms, and Sayings for Wedding Speeches

2019.08.07 published

Words Often Heard in Wedding Speeches

Many people compose their wedding speeches using famous "proverbs," "four-character idioms," and "maxims."

For example...

A classic joke is that what is needed in married life are a mother-in-law, a salary envelope, and a patience pouch!

Perhaps not many people use this joke in today's world (?), but there are many other "words often heard in speeches."

Such well-known phrases leave an impression on the audience, and instead of speaking at length, they add emphasis and variation to the speech.

If you're ever asked to give a speech, it’s recommended to weave these effectively into your talk.

@nagisa_marry

Here are some proverbs, four-character idioms, and maxims frequently used in wedding speeches along with their meanings.

Proverbs ① Small stones become large rocks

This proverb means that small stones can grow into large rocks over a long period, signifying prosperity over time and longevity.

The reading is, "isago nagajite iwao to naru."

Proverbs ② After rain comes fair weather

This is a metaphor for the idea that after disputes or fights, things can end up in a better state.

Proverbs ③ Even if I have to carry a pot, as long as I can be with my beloved

This idiom means that it's okay to be poor or to struggle if it means being with the person you love.

Proverbs ④ A blemish is a dimple to a beloved

This expression signifies that when you fall in love with someone, their flaws seem charming, illustrating that even shortcomings can appear favorable.

By the way, the "blemish" refers to small indentations left on the skin after recovering from smallpox.

Proverbs ⑤ Fortune comes to those who smile

This means that happiness will naturally come to people who are always cheerful and that if one lives positively without losing hope, happiness will eventually arrive.

Proverbs ⑥ Love should be dispensed in small measures

This proverb means that too intense love will cool off quickly, so loving gradually will lead to lasting relationships.

It seems to be based on the English proverb "Love me little, love me long."

Proverbs ⑦ A pot and its lid fit well together

Just as a pot and lid fit perfectly, this metaphor indicates that people with similar personalities and hobbies are well-matched.

Four-character Idiom ① Good wife and wise mother

This refers to a woman who is a good wife to her husband and diligently nurtures her children, often used as a compliment towards the bride.

Four-character Idiom ② Tied together in life and death

This Buddhist phrase means "After death, to reside together in paradise on the same lotus flower," symbolizing that regardless of outcomes, two people act and share their destiny together.

Four-character Idiom ③ A smile is worth a thousand gold

This means that a beautiful woman (in the case of a wedding, the bride) is worth a thousand gold coins just for smiling.

Four-character Idiom ④ Bright prospects ahead

This signifies that the future is bright, full of hope, and is often used in phrases like "The lives of the newlyweds are bright and full of prospects."

Four-character Idiom ⑤ Strange ties, mysterious fate

This refers to the mysterious connections and relationships that people have.

It means that the encounter and union of individuals is due to the mysterious power of fate.

Four-character Idiom ⑥ Though physically apart, hearts are united

This signifies that even though bodies may be separate, hearts are firmly connected.

Maxim ① To love is not to look at each other but to look together in the same direction

This is a famous quote by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the author of "The Little Prince."

It's widely recognized.

Maxim ② Marriage is a long conversation

This quote is by the German philosopher Nietzsche.

Maxim ③ Love is like a flower that must be nurtured

"Love is like a flower. You've got to let it grow."

This is a famous saying by John Lennon.

Maxim ④ If you wish to be loved, love and be lovely

This is a quote by American inventor Benjamin Franklin.

Want to use these in your speech?

We've shared proverbs, four-character idioms, and maxims related to marriage, love, and couples commonly used in wedding speeches.

If you’re giving a speech, it might be great to use some of these!