Japanese meaning of 以逸待労
Reading:
いいつたいろう (ii tsu tairō)
English Translation:
Defeating an enemy by waiting for them to tire while conserving one’s own strength.
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Gaining advantage by waiting while the opponent becomes fatigued.
Cultural Context:
Comes from ancient Chinese military strategy in Sun Tzu's *The Art of War*. Teaches the value of conserving energy while the enemy exhausts themselves.
相手が疲れるのを待って有利に行動すること。
孫子の兵法に由来し、「自分は安逸に構え、相手が疲れるのを待って勝つ」戦略を説く。現代ではビジネスやスポーツでも使われる。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase combined with “で待つ” or “を待つ” to express a strategic stance (“以逸待労の構え”).
• Common in military, sports, or business strategy contexts.
Trap for English Speakers
Literal reading may cause confusion about "labor" meaning; it's about conserving energy.
Example
Basic Example
将軍は以逸待労の策で敵軍を疲弊させた。
The general used a strategy of conserving his own strength while waiting for the enemy to tire.
Applied Example
相手を消耗させてから攻める。以逸待労の戦法だ。
He let the enemy tire themselves out before attacking — a strategy of defeating the enemy at one’s ease.