Japanese meaning of 百里の道も九十九里をもって半ばとす
Reading:
ひゃくりのみちもくじゅうくりをもってなかばとす (Hyakuri no michi mo kujūkyūri wo motte nakaba to su)
English Translation:
The last mile is the hardest
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Even when you’ve completed 99 out of 100 miles, your journey is not truly over until you finish the last mile. This proverb warns against letting your guard down or losing focus just before reaching your goal, emphasizing the importance of finishing strong.
Cultural Context:
Emphasizes finishing tasks completely, a trait praised in Japanese work ethic.
どれだけ進んでも、最後までやり遂げなければ意味がないという教えです。終盤で気を抜かず、完遂することの重要性を説いています。
「最後までやりきる」姿勢を評価する日本の職業倫理を反映。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
Uses classical structure “…をもって…とす” to express judgment.
Trap for English Speakers
Literal distance “ri” may confuse; it’s a metaphor for progress.
Example
Basic Example
最後の仕上げこそ大事。百里の道も九十九里をもって半ばとす。
The last stretch is the most important — the last mile is the hardest.
Applied Example
ゴール目前で油断し、逆転された。百里の道も九十九里をもって半ばとすだ。
He let his guard down just before the finish line and was overtaken — the last mile is the hardest.