Japanese meaning of 他力本願
Reading:
たりきほんがん (tariki hongan)
English Translation:
Relying on others' help or grace
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Originally “reliance on the Buddha’s vow/grace”; modern usage often (mis)reads it as “leaving things to others.”
Cultural Context:
Style guides sometimes note the gap between doctrinal meaning and colloquial pejorative use; context decides tone.
本来は阿弥陀仏の本願に依る意。現代では「人任せ」の意で俗用されることが多い。
本義と俗用のズレが話題になる語。文脈次第で敬虔にも否定的ニュアンスにも転ぶ。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase for relying on others’ power; often with “の考え.”
Trap for English Speakers
May be misunderstood as laziness.
Example
Basic Example
彼は他力本願で、すべて人任せだ。
He relies on others' help or grace, leaving everything to them.
Applied Example
彼はいつも他力本願で、自ら剣を取ることはなかった。
He was always relying on others' help or grace, never taking up the sword himself.