Japanese meaning of 虎視眈々

Reading:
こしたんたん (koshi tantan)

English Translation:

Watching keenly for an opportunity

Meaning & Cultural Context

Meaning:


Watching keenly for an opportunity

Cultural Context:


Military, sports, and business strategy contexts.

Grammar & Learning Points

Grammar Point

• Noun phrase for watchful ambition; often with “と狙う.”

Trap for English Speakers

May be misunderstood as having malicious intent only.

Example

Basic Example

彼は虎視眈々と昇進の機会を狙っている。

He is watching keenly for a promotion opportunity.


Applied Example

ライバル会社は市場参入のチャンスを虎視眈々と狙っている。

The rival company is Watching keenly for an opportunity to enter the market.