Japanese meaning of 千里の道も一歩から
Reading:
せんりのみちもいっぽから (Senri no michi mo ippo kara)
English Translation:
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Even the longest journey begins with a single step. This proverb encourages us to start, no matter how daunting a goal may seem, and reminds us that every achievement starts from humble beginnings.
Cultural Context:
Japanese culture respects incremental progress and small beginnings.
どんなに遠い道のりや大きな目標も、一歩を踏み出すことから始まるという教えです。まず始める勇気が大切だと伝えています。
日本人は段階的な進歩や小さな始まりを重視します。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
Uses particles "も" and "から" to show that something large starts small.
Trap for English Speakers
The exact distance "thousand miles" is metaphorical, not literal.
Example
Basic Example
どんな大きな目標も、千里の道も一歩からだと自分に言い聞かせて走り始めた。
Even the longest journey begins with a single step — he reminded himself as he started running.
Applied Example
新入部員が初めてラケットを握る。千里の道も一歩から、その一振りが未来を作る。
A rookie picked up a racket for the first time. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single swing.