Japanese meaning of 一望千里
Reading:
いちぼうせんり (ichibou senri)
English Translation:
Bird’s-eye view / Broad perspective
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
To have a wide and far-reaching perspective, being able to see or understand things from a broad point of view, both literally and metaphorically.
遠くまで見渡せる広い視野を持つこと。物事を多角的に考えたり、大きな目標を持ったりする場合にも使われます。
Cultural Context:
From Chinese poetry describing vast landscapes, in Japanese it is also used metaphorically for clear foresight.
中国の詩文に由来し、広大な景色の描写から、日本語では先見性の比喩としても使われる。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase used with “の景色” or metaphorically with “の見通し.”
Trap for English Speakers
May be misunderstood as only literal scenery, missing the figurative foresight sense.
Example
Basic Example
山頂からは一望千里の景色が広がる。
From the summit, there’s a view stretching as far as the eye can see.
Applied Example
山頂からの景色は一望千里、地平線まで見渡せた。
From the mountaintop, the view stretched for miles in every direction — you could see a thousand miles at a glance.