Japanese meaning of 一攫千金

Reading:
いっかくせんきん (ikkaku senkin)

English Translation:

Strike it rich / Windfall

Meaning & Cultural Context

Meaning:


To obtain a large amount of wealth or benefit in a very short time, usually through luck, speculation, or a one-time opportunity rather than steady effort.

Cultural Context:


Originating from gambling and speculative contexts, it is now used in business, lotteries, and sports to evoke the dream of sudden wealth.

Grammar & Learning Points

Grammar Point

• Noun phrase used with “を狙う” or “のチャンス” to express aiming for sudden wealth.

Trap for English Speakers

May be confused with legitimate steady earnings; the risky aspect is often lost.

Example

Basic Example

彼は宝くじで一攫千金を狙っている。

He’s aiming for sudden wealth in the lottery.


Applied Example

一攫千金を狙って挑んだ一打が、スタンド最上段に突き刺さった。

The swing aimed at winning a fortune in one go sent the ball crashing into the top row of the stands.