Japanese meaning of 付和雷同
Reading:
ふわらいどう (fuwa raidou)
English Translation:
Go with the crowd / Follow the herd
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
To blindly follow others or conform to their opinions without forming one's own independent ideas or judgments, often out of a desire to fit in.
自分の考えや判断を持たず、他人の意見や行動に流されてしまうこと。集団心理や付和雷同の危うさを示します。
Cultural Context:
Comes from Chinese philosophy texts criticizing unthinking conformity. Used in politics, education, and social commentary in Japan.
中国の思想書に由来し、主体性のない同調を批判する言葉。日本では政治、教育、社会批評で使われる。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase used with “する” to indicate following others blindly.
Trap for English Speakers
May be confused with positive harmony; the critical nuance can be lost.
Example
Basic Example
彼は常に付和雷同して意見を変える。
He always follows others blindly and changes his opinion.
Applied Example
彼は意見を持たず、常に付和雷同していた。
He had no opinion of his own and always went along with the crowd.