Japanese meaning of 捲土重来
Reading:
けんどちょうらい (kendo chourai)
English Translation:
Returning with renewed vigor after defeat
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Returning with renewed vigor after a defeat or setback.
Cultural Context:
From Chinese poetry; in sports, politics, and personal recovery stories, signals determination for a comeback.
敗北や失敗の後に再び勢いを盛り返すこと。
中国詩文に由来。スポーツ・政治・再起物語で「リベンジ」や再挑戦の意志を示す。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase for comeback after defeat; often with “を果たす.”
Trap for English Speakers
May be misunderstood as always guaranteed success.
Example
Basic Example
彼は捲土重来を期して再挑戦した。
He returned with renewed vigor after defeat to try again.
Applied Example
「去年は負けたけど、今年こそ捲土重来だ！」
We lost last year, but this year we’ll return with renewed vigor after defeat!