Japanese meaning of 一朝一夕
Reading:
いっちょういっせき (icchou isseki)
English Translation:
In a short time; overnight
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
A short span of time—literally “one morning, one evening”—used to stress that certain goals cannot be achieved overnight and require sustained effort.
短い期間を意味し、多くの場合「一朝一夕には成し得ない」という形で、達成には長い努力が必要であることを強調する。
Cultural Context:
Common in education, skills training, and project management discourse; sets realistic expectations and counters “quick fix” thinking.
教育・技能習得・プロジェクト管理などで現実的な見通しを示し、「即効性」を求める短絡的発想を戒める文脈で使われる。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase for a short period of time; often with “では成し得ない.”
Trap for English Speakers
May be mistaken as literally meaning “overnight.”
Example
Basic Example
成功は一朝一夕には得られない。
Success cannot be achieved in a short time.
Applied Example
「一朝一夕で強くなれるわけないだろ！」
You can’t become strong in a short time!