Japanese meaning of 棚から牡丹餅
Reading:
たなからぼたもち (tana kara botamochi)
English Translation:
A windfall
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
An unearned lucky windfall.
Cultural Context:
Refers to seasonal sweet botamochi; casually used in daily conversation and variety shows.
思いがけない幸運が転がり込むという意味。
季節菓子「牡丹餅」にちなむ。日常会話やバラエティで軽妙に使用。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• 棚から = “from a shelf” (noun + particle)
• 牡丹餅 = “botamochi” (rice cake with sweet bean paste)
Metaphor for an unexpected piece of good luck.
Trap for English Speakers
Literal meaning may confuse learners; it’s about an unearned windfall.
Example
Basic Example
予期せぬ幸運は、まるで棚から牡丹餅だ。
An unexpected good fortune is like a windfall.
Applied Example
練習試合でレギュラーの代わりに出場、棚から牡丹餅だった。
Getting to play because the regular was out—a windfall.