JLPT N3Proverbs

花より団子

Meaning
風流より実利を取るほうがよい
Explanation
「花より団子」 expresses choosing something practically useful (practical benefit) over visual elegance, just as one chooses dumplings that fill the stomach rather than enjoying the sight of beautiful flowers. Unlike c3's 「どちらも楽しむ」 (enjoy both), it means prioritizing practical benefit.
Original Japanese explanation

「花より団子」は、美しい花を見て楽しむより、おなかを満たす団子を選ぶように、見た目の風流より実際に役立つもの(実利)を取ることを表します。c3 の「どちらも楽しむ」とは違い、実利を優先する意味です。

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