Japanese meaning of 波瀾万丈
Reading:
はらんばんじょう (haran banjō)
English Translation:
A life full of ups and downs and dramatic events.
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
A life full of ups and downs and dramatic events.
Cultural Context:
From literary Chinese, where it described turbulent waves. In Japanese, it’s a common metaphor for eventful personal histories.
起伏や波乱が多く、劇的な出来事に満ちた人生。
漢詩由来で、大きな波が立つ様子を人生の波乱にたとえた。日本語では波乱に満ちた人生を表す比喩として広く使われる。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase with “な人生” or “な物語” to depict a life full of dramatic events (“波瀾万丈な人生”).
• Often used in autobiographies, biographies, or entertainment media.
Trap for English Speakers
Can be confused with simply meaning “eventful,” but it emphasizes extreme ups and downs or turbulence, not just busyness.
Example
Basic Example
彼の人生は波瀾万丈で、常に予想外の出来事が起こる。
His life has been full of ups and downs, with constant surprises.
Applied Example
彼の人生は波瀾万丈で、語れば一晩では足りない。
His life was full of ups and downs — you couldn’t tell it all in one night.