A Comparative Study of Four-Character Idioms (Yojijukugo) with Indonesia Proverbs Containing The Element of Water

Abstract

This research is titled Comparative Study of Japanese Proverbs (Yojijugo) with Indonesian Proverbs Containing Water Elements." This study uses a qualitative method with a comparative study approach. The data for the study were obtained from various sources, including posts by users of the X application, the short story “Still Water Runs Deep”, posts on the Gurusiana website, and the Idiom Encyclopedia website. The analyzed data consist of grammatical units in the form of sentences and discourse containing yojijukugo and Indonesian proverbs. The analysis method used is the review method from Sudaryanto. This study aims to provide deeper insights into the usage and meaning of these expressions in different cultural contexts. Yojijukugo has two types of meanings: yojijukugo with a literal meaning and yojijukugo with an idiomatic meaning. Idiomatic meaning usually consists of a combination of several words that result in a different meaning and is often found in expressions or proverbs. Yojijukugo with idiomatic meaning is called idiomatic yojijukugo because it contains a hidden message behind its literal meaning. In contrast, proverbs are expressions in ancient literature that are very poetic and part of Indonesia's cultural heritage. Proverbs passed down from generation to generation must be preserved as part of Indonesia's cultural and ancient literary heritage. Proverbs, also known as aphorisms, are indirect expressions with implied meanings that can be understood by both listeners and speakers. The aim of the comparative study of yojijukugo and proverbs containing water elements is to understand how these two forms of expressions depict the same concept, particularly related to water, in different languages and cultures. This study seeks to explore the similarities and differences in meaning, usage, and context of yojijukugo in Japanese and proverbs in Indonesian that contain water elements.