expression, Godan verb

Proverb.
  1. a wise man keeps some of his talents in reserve, one shouldn't show off, the person who knows most often says least, a skilled hawk hides its talons.

Variations

Pronunciation Kanji Kana Is Common
 
 
 
 
 
能ある鷹は爪を隠す のうあるたかはつめをかくす
 
 
 
 
能有る鷹は爪を隠す のうあるたかはつめをかくす
 
 
 
 
 
脳ある鷹は爪を隠す のうあるたかはつめをかくす

Contained Kanji Breakdown

ability, talent, skill
ノウ よし の (5th, N3)
a small worm, larvae of mosquitoes, empty
I, myself, katakana mu radical (no. 28)
シ ボウ ム (Kentei 1)
month, moon
つき ゲツ ガツ (1st, N5)
spoon, spoon or katakana hi radical (no. 21)
ヒ さじ (Kentei 1)
hawk
たか ヨウ オウ (Kentei Pre-1, N1)
dotted cliff radical (no. 53)
ゲン (Kentei 1)
wild goose, trailing cliff radical (no. 27)
カン かりがね (Kentei 1)
bird, chicken
とり チョウ とっ (2nd, N4)
crow, raven
からす ウ オ (Kentei Pre-1)
fire, fire radical (no. 86)
ヒョウ カ
one, one radical (no.1)
イチ いっ ひと- (1st, N5)
claw, nail, talon
つめ つま- ソウ (Late High School)
conceal, hide, cover
かく.す イン オン (Early Jr. High, N1)
compassion, care
claw radical (no. 87)
snout, hand
heart, mind, spirit
こころ シン (2nd, N4)