Lying phrase in Japanese

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There are many metaphors and idioms in Japanese that are fun and useful.

This idiom is used to say someone is lying about their age!

Let's learn a useful Japanese idiom

saba

鯖(さば)を読む

saba o yomu

 

(Literal meaning) = To read a mackerel

(Idiomatic meaning) = To manipulate figures to one's advantage

 

◆ Etymologyexplanation

The origin of the word "saba" is said to have come from the fact that mackerel was a fragile fish and was counted quickly because there were so many of them, which did not match the actual number of fish.

 

◆ How do you use it?

Watch this fun video to see how you use it in conversation

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