武士は食わねど高楊枝
ぶしはくわねどたかようじ
Meanings
- Expression the samurai glories in honourable poverty; keep a stiff upper lip!
Kanji
- 武 military. Read as ブ.
- 士 man
- 食 eat. Read as くう.
- 高 high. Read as たか.
- 楊 willow. Read as ヨウ.
- 枝 branch. Read as シ.
Example sentences
- 武士は食わねど高楊枝。
A samurai, even when he has not eaten, uses a toothpick like a lord.