「弘法筆を選ばず」の意味と英訳

読み方:
こうぼうふでをえらばず (kōbō fude o erabazu)

英訳

A good workman does not blame his tools

意味と文化的な背景

意味:


道具より腕前がものを言うという意味。
Skill matters more than tools.

文化的な背景:


弘法大師の逸話にも関連。創作・開発で引用されるが、現代では道具重要論との併記も。
Also tied to Kōbō Daishi; quoted in creative fields, though modern tech work notes tool importance too.

英訳文法・学習のポイント

英訳文法のポイント

• 弘法 (Kōbō) = “Kōbō Daishi,” a famous Buddhist monk (proper noun)
• 筆を選ばず (fude o erabazu) = “does not choose his brush” (verb phrase with classical negative form)
Noun + verb phrase showing that a master can perform well regardless of tools.

英訳の注意ポイント

Might be taken as actually saying tools never matter; proverb praises skill, though modern contexts value good tools too.

例文

基本の例文

本当に腕の立つ人は道具を選ばない、弘法筆を選ばずだ。

A skilled person doesn’t blame their tools—a good workman does not blame his tools.


応用例

練習用の古いラケットでも完勝…弘法筆を選ばずだ。

Winning easily with an old practice racket—a good workman does not blame his tools.