Yojijukugo
Japanese meaning of 八面六臂
Reading:
Voice sample:
はちめんろっぴ (hachimen roppi)
English Translation:
Being active on many fronts; showing great versatility
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Being active and effective on many fronts simultaneously, showing extraordinary versatility.
日本語で読む
同時に多方面で活躍し、非常に多才であること。
Cultural Context:
Originates from Buddhist guardian deities depicted with many faces and arms; now used for highly capable people.
日本語で読む
多くの顔と腕を持つ仏教の守護神像に由来し、現代では非常に有能な人物を表す。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase with “の活躍” or “の働き” to describe extraordinary multi-talented activity (“八面六臂の活躍”).<br>• Often used in sports commentary or praise.
日本語で読む
• 一人で何役もこなし、八方で大活躍する様子を表す「〜の活躍」「〜の働き」（例：「八面六臂の活躍」）。<br>• スポーツ解説や称賛でよく用いられる。
Trap for English Speakers
Might be taken literally as physical form, but it is purely figurative.
日本語で読む
実際に腕が六本あるわけではなく、多方面での活躍をたとえる点に注意。
Example
Example 1Basic Example
八面六臂の活躍でイベントは大成功だった。
Thanks to his versatile efforts, the event was a great success.
Example 2Applied Example
彼は八面六臂の活躍で、試合もイベントも成功に導いた。
His all-around performance led both the match and the event to success.
Quick check
Meaning
What does 「八面六臂」 mean?