Japanese meaning of 将を射んと欲すればまず馬を射よ
English Translation:
Cut off the head of the snake
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Aim for the key point to control the whole.
Cultural Context:
Originates from military strategy. Used in politics, business, and competitive sports.
要の部分を狙うことで全体を制するという意味。
軍事戦略に由来。政治、ビジネス、競技スポーツなどで使われる。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• 将 (shō) = “general” or “commander” (noun)
• を (o) = object marker, marking “general” as the target
• 射んと欲すれば (in to hosureba) = classical expression meaning “if you wish to shoot”; 射ん is the volitional form of 射る (iru, “to shoot”), と = quotation particle, 欲す = classical verb meaning “to wish”, れば = conditional form
• まず (mazu) = “first” or “before anything else” (adverb)
• 馬 (uma) = “horse” (noun)
• を射よ (o iyo) = object marker を + imperative form of 射る (iru, “to shoot”)
The sentence uses a conditional clause followed by an imperative, creating a proverb-like cause–action structure.
Trap for English Speakers
May be interpreted as only literal archery advice; it’s metaphorical about targeting the source of a problem.
Example
交渉を進めるなら決裁者の課題を押さえよう。将を射んと欲すればまず馬を射よ。
To move the deal forward, address the decision-maker’s pain points—Cut off the head of the snake.
Applied Example
ボスを倒すには先に支援モブを落とせ。将を射んと欲すればまず馬を射よ。
To beat the boss, take out the support mobs first—Cut off the head of the snake.