Japanese meaning of 七転八起
Reading:
しちてんはっき (shichiten hakki)
English Translation:
Fall seven times, get up eight. / Never give up, no matter how many times you fail.
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
The ability to bounce back from repeated failures by persevering and trying again. It celebrates mental toughness and resilience, showing that setbacks are only temporary and can be overcome.
Cultural Context:
Used in motivational speeches, sports, and education, the phrase embodies resilience as a celebrated trait in Japanese culture.
何度失敗しても、そのたびにあきらめずに立ち上がり、再挑戦を続ける強い意志や精神力を称える言葉。逆境に負けず、前向きに努力し続ける人の姿を表現しています。
スポーツ、教育、講演などで使われ、日本文化における粘り強さや根気の美徳を象徴する。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• "Fall seven times, get up eight." = Literal translation expressing persistence.
• Often paraphrased in English as "Never give up" or "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again."
Trap for English Speakers
Direct translation can sound awkward or confusing; use natural English phrases to convey the message.
Example
Basic Example
何度失敗しても七転八起だ。
No matter how many times you fail, fall seven times and get up eight.
Applied Example
巨人に何度倒されても立ち上がる。七転八起こそ人類の魂だ。
No matter how many times the giants knocked them down, they rose again — fall seven times, get up eight.