22 Japanese ways to say “This too shall pass”
Life throws curveballs, and sometimes it feels like the hard times will never end. But the comforting truth is simple: “This too shall pass.”
In Japanese, there are many beautiful ways to express this idea, each carrying a gentle reminder that nothing lasts forever.
Whether you’re learning the language or just looking for some warm encouragement, these phrases can bring a sense of calm and hope.
From casual sayings to more formal expressions, and even some native-like slang, you’ll find a phrase that fits your mood and situation.
Using these expressions can give you a fresh perspective and a linguistic boost to help navigate tough moments.
Ready to discover 22 heartfelt Japanese ways to say “This too shall pass”? Let’s dive in!
Understanding the Nuance Behind “This Too Shall Pass” in Japanese
Japanese language often conveys emotions and concepts with subtlety and grace.
When it comes to expressing resilience or the fleeting nature of difficulties, there’s a rich variety of phrases that suit different contexts—from everyday chats to thoughtful reflections.
Many of these phrases mix imagery and philosophy, making them memorable and meaningful.
Sometimes, using a great Japanese language learning book can give you a perfect starting point for a cohesive understanding.
These phrases aren’t just words—they’re little tools to help you embrace life’s ups and downs.
Let’s explore a variety of expressions that can comfort and inspire you.
Part 1: Casual Suggestions
1. これも過ぎ去る (Kore mo sugisaru) – “This too will pass.”
This phrase directly captures the idea of something passing away.
“これ (kore)” means “this,” “も (mo)” means “also” or “too,” and “過ぎ去る (sugisaru)” means “to pass away” or “to go beyond.”
It’s straightforward and easy to remember, making it great for beginners.
Repeat this when facing a challenge, and it can help remind you that the tough moment is temporary.
You might hear a similar phrase, “過ぎる (sugiru),” which also means “to pass,” but “過ぎ去る” feels a bit more poetic.
Try using it in your daily reflections to build a habit of positive thinking.
2. いつか終わるよ (Itsuka owaru yo) – “Someday, it will end.”
This phrase is very casual and comforting.
“いつか (itsuka)” means “someday,” “終わる (owaru)” means “to end,” and “よ (yo)” is a sentence-ending particle that adds a friendly emphasis.
It’s easy to say and perfect for encouraging a friend.
It reminds us that no matter how difficult now, there’s an end in sight.
Be mindful—don’t overuse it in very serious situations, as it sounds informal.
Pair it with a warm smile to really lift spirits.
3. 悪い時は続かない (Warui toki wa tsuzukanai) – “Bad times don’t last.”
This is a common phrase to remind yourself that hard times are temporary.
“悪い時 (warui toki)” means “bad times,” “は (wa)” marks the topic, and “続かない (tsuzukanai)” means “don’t continue.”
It’s practical and easy to understand for learners.
Use it as a mental reset during tough days.
It helps you focus on the future instead of dwelling on the now.
Sharing this phrase with others can spread hope as well.
4. 時が解決する (Toki ga kaiketsu suru) – “Time solves (everything).”
This phrase emphasizes the power of time in healing wounds.
“時 (toki)” means “time,” “が (ga)” marks the subject, and “解決する (kaiketsu suru)” means “to solve.”
It’s slightly formal but easy to use in conversations.
It’s a reminder that patience often brings answers and peace.
Pair it with a calm tone for a soothing effect.
Great for reassuring friends or yourself.
5. 何事も永遠ではない (Nanigoto mo eien de wa nai) – “Nothing lasts forever.”
This phrase reflects a classic philosophical idea.
“何事も (nanigoto mo)” means “anything” or “everything,” “永遠 (eien)” means “forever,” and “ではない (de wa nai)” negates the idea.
It’s a bit more advanced but very poetic.
Use it when you want to express deep understanding of life’s cycles.
It pairs well with seasonal metaphors like cherry blossoms.
Try reading poetry or quotes with this phrase to internalize its wisdom.
6. 悩みはいつか消える (Nayami wa itsuka kieru) – “Worries will disappear someday.”
This phrase gives hopeful reassurance about worries.
“悩み (nayami)” means “worries,” “は (wa)” marks the topic, “いつか (itsuka)” means “someday,” and “消える (kieru)” means “to disappear.”
It’s gentle and perfect for comfort.
Say it to yourself or share it with others when times are rough.
It suggests that even heavy feelings will fade.
Visualize worries lifting away as you say it.
7. ゆっくり良くなる (Yukkuri yoku naru) – “It will slowly get better.”
This phrase focuses on gradual improvement.
“ゆっくり (yukkuri)” means “slowly,” “良くなる (yoku naru)” means “to get better.”
It’s casual and hopeful, great for everyday use.
Perfect when you want to remind yourself that healing takes time.
You can use it in conversations about health, mood, or progress.
Pair it with a smile or a calm breath.
8. 風が吹けば桶屋が儲かる (Kaze ga fukeba okeya ga moukaru) – “When the wind blows, the cooper profits.”
This idiom expresses how events eventually balance out.
“風が吹けば (kaze ga fukeba)” means “if the wind blows,” “桶屋が儲かる (okeya ga moukaru)” means “the barrel maker profits.”
It’s a fun way to acknowledge that things happen in cycles.
Though a bit indirect, it reminds us troubles might lead to unexpected good outcomes.
Use it when you want to add a lighthearted touch to resilience.
Great for sharing a smile in hard times.
Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions
9. これも過ぎ去っていきます (Kore mo sugisatte ikimasu) – “This too shall pass (formal).”
A polite form of #1 for more formal or respectful situations.
Adding “ていきます (te ikimasu)” implies continuous passing over time.
Perfect for workplace conversations or when comforting elders.
It’s respectful yet still carries warmth.
Try using it in written notes or thoughtful discussions.
This phrase shows care and patience.
10. 苦しい時もやがて終わります (Kurushii toki mo yagate owarimasu) – “Painful times will eventually end.”
This phrase is formal and empathetic.
“苦しい時 (kurushii toki)” means “painful times,” “も (mo)” means “also,” “やがて (yagate)” means “eventually,” and “終わります (owarimasu)” means “will end.”
It’s ideal for expressing sympathy or encouragement in serious contexts.
It conveys both understanding and gentle optimism.
Great to use in letters or speeches.
Pair it with a sincere tone for the best effect.
11. 時の流れは止まりません (Toki no nagare wa tomarimasen) – “The flow of time never stops.”
This poetic phrase reflects the unstoppable nature of time.
“時の流れ (toki no nagare)” means “the flow of time,” “は (wa)” marks the topic, and “止まりません (tomarimasen)” means “does not stop.”
It’s formal and often used in writing or speeches.
It gently reminds us that change is constant.
Use it to inspire patience and acceptance.
Perfect for thoughtful moments or essays.
12. どんな苦しみもやがて和らぎます (Donna kurushimi mo yagate yawaragimasu) – “Any suffering will eventually ease.”
This phrase offers formal reassurance.
“どんな苦しみ (donna kurushimi)” means “any suffering,” “も (mo)” means “also,” “やがて (yagate)” means “eventually,” and “和らぎます (yawaragimasu)” means “will ease.”
It’s comforting and perfect for professional or respectful settings.
Use it in counseling or heartfelt talks.
The phrase encourages hope and endurance.
It’s a beautiful way to offer solace.
13. すべては時の流れに委ねられています (Subete wa toki no nagare ni yudanerarete imasu) – “Everything is entrusted to the flow of time.”
A more philosophical and formal expression.
“すべては (subete wa)” means “everything,” “時の流れに (toki no nagare ni)” means “to the flow of time,” “委ねられています (yudanerarete imasu)” means “is entrusted.”
It conveys trust in time’s power to heal and resolve.
Great for speeches or reflective writing.
This phrase invites deep contemplation.
Use it when you want to sound thoughtful and calm.
14. 辛い時期もやがて過ぎ去ります (Tsurai jiki mo yagate sugisarimasu) – “Hard times will eventually pass.”
Similar to earlier phrases but polite and formal.
“辛い時期 (tsurai jiki)” means “hard times,” “も (mo)” means “also,” “やがて (yagate)” means “eventually,” “過ぎ去ります (sugisarimasu)” means “will pass away.”
Use it in formal conversations or letters.
It’s reassuring and polished.
Great for professional encouragement.
Perfect for showing empathy in difficult situations.
15. 今は試練の時ですが必ず終わります (Ima wa shiren no toki desu ga kanarazu owarimasu) – “Now is a time of trial, but it will surely end.”
This phrase combines acknowledgment of difficulty with strong hope.
“今は (ima wa)” means “now,” “試練の時 (shiren no toki)” means “time of trial,” “ですが (desu ga)” means “but,” “必ず (kanarazu)” means “surely,” “終わります (owarimasu)” means “will end.”
It’s formal and encouraging.
Ideal for speeches or motivational talks.
Use it to inspire confidence and patience.
It reminds listeners that hardships are temporary.
16. 悩みも時間とともに消えていきます (Nayami mo jikan to tomo ni kiete ikimasu) – “Worries vanish with time.”
A graceful and formal way to say worries will fade.
“悩みも (nayami mo)” means “worries also,” “時間とともに (jikan to tomo ni)” means “together with time,” “消えていきます (kiete ikimasu)” means “vanish gradually.”
It’s soothing and suitable for professional or heartfelt settings.
Use it in advice or comforting talks.
It expresses gentle reassurance.
Perfect for calming anxious minds.
Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions
17. そのうち良くなるよ (Sono uchi yoku naru yo) – “It’ll get better eventually.”
A laid-back way to say things will improve.
“そのうち (sono uchi)” means “eventually,” “良くなる (yoku naru)” means “get better,” and “よ (yo)” adds friendly emphasis.
It’s often used among friends or family.
Great for everyday encouragement.
Be careful not to sound dismissive—tone matters!
Use it with a smile and casual tone.
18. 大丈夫、すぐ終わるよ (Daijoubu, sugu owaru yo) – “It’s okay, it’ll end soon.”
This phrase is very comforting and common.
“大丈夫 (daijoubu)” means “it’s okay,” “すぐ (sugu)” means “soon,” “終わる (owaru)” means “to end,” and “よ (yo)” adds warmth.
It’s easy to say and perfect for close relationships.
Use it to soothe someone stressed or upset.
It’s a quick phrase that carries a lot of kindness.
Great to memorize for instant comfort.
19. なあ、これもいつか過ぎるから (Naa, kore mo itsuka sugiru kara) – “Hey, this too will pass someday.”
This phrase has a warm, conversational vibe.
“なあ (naa)” is a casual attention-getter, “これも (kore mo)” means “this too,” “いつか (itsuka)” means “someday,” “過ぎる (sugiru)” means “to pass,” “から (kara)” means “because.”
It’s great for friendly reassurance.
Use it when you want to sound natural and heartfelt.
It’s like saying, “Trust me, it’ll get better.”
Perfect for informal chats and messages.
20. つらいけど、もうすぐ終わるよ (Tsurai kedo, mou sugu owaru yo) – “It’s tough, but it’ll end soon.”
This phrase acknowledges difficulty with optimism.
“つらいけど (tsurai kedo)” means “it’s tough but,” “もうすぐ (mou sugu)” means “very soon,” “終わる (owaru)” means “to end,” “よ (yo)” adds friendliness.
It’s casual but sincere.
Use it to honestly comfort someone.
It balances realism and hope.
Great for close friends or informal support.
21. みんな通る道だよ (Minna tooru michi da yo) – “It’s a path everyone goes through.”
A native-like way to normalize struggles.
“みんな (minna)” means “everyone,” “通る (tooru)” means “to pass through,” “道 (michi)” means “path,” “だよ (da yo)” adds casual emphasis.
Use it to remind someone they’re not alone.
It’s empathetic and relatable.
Great for peer conversations.
Encourages shared understanding.
22. 時間が解決するさ (Jikan ga kaiketsu suru sa) – “Time solves it, you know.”
A very casual and confident way to say time heals all.
“時間 (jikan)” means “time,” “が (ga)” marks the subject, “解決する (kaiketsu suru)” means “to resolve,” “さ (sa)” adds a masculine casual emphasis.
Often used among men or close friends.
It’s laid-back but comforting.
Use it to casually reassure someone.
It’s perfect for everyday, relaxed conversations.
Concluding Thought
Exploring these 22 Japanese phrases reveals just how beautifully language can capture the ebb and flow of life’s challenges.
Each expression offers a unique way to remind ourselves that tough times are temporary and hope is always near.
Whether casual or formal, poetic or playful, these phrases become gentle companions on your journey, helping you stay grounded and optimistic.
