Japanese meaning of 深謀遠慮

Reading:
しんぼうえんりょ (shinbou enryo)

English Translation:

Deep foresight and careful planning

Meaning & Cultural Context

Meaning:


Long‑range, deeply thought‑out strategy; prudent planning that anticipates ripple effects.

Cultural Context:


Praised in profiles of statesmen/executives; can shade toward “scheming” when secrecy/manipulation is implied.

Grammar & Learning Points

Grammar Point

• Noun phrase for deep planning and foresight; often with “を巡らす.”

Trap for English Speakers

May be mistaken as overthinking.

Example

Basic Example

彼は深謀遠慮のうえで決断した。

He made the decision with deep foresight and careful planning.


Applied Example

将軍は深謀遠慮をもって布陣し、敵軍を一歩も寄せつけなかった。

The general deployed his troops with deep foresight and careful planning, keeping the enemy at bay.