PhraseNinja

Yojijukugo

Japanese meaning of 一騎当千

Reading:

いっきとうせん (ikki tousen)

English Translation:

A warrior worth a thousand; extremely capable person

Meaning & Cultural Context

Meaning:

A warrior so skilled they can take on a thousand opponents; by extension, a person of exceptional ability.
日本語で読む
千人の敵を相手にできるほど強い戦士、または非常に有能な人物。

Cultural Context:

Originates from Chinese historical records; in Japan, used for both martial prowess and exceptional talent in any field.
日本語で読む
中国の歴史書に由来し、日本では武勇だけでなくあらゆる分野の卓越した才能にも使われる。

Grammar & Learning Points

Grammar Point

• Noun phrase with “の武将” or “の実力者” to describe someone extremely capable (“一騎当千の武将”).<br>• Can be used figuratively for exceptional skill in any domain.
日本語で読む
• 千人の敵に匹敵する実力者を表す「〜の武将」「〜の実力者」（例：「一騎当千の武将」）。<br>• あらゆる分野の卓越した才能を比喩的に表すこともある。

Trap for English Speakers

Might be taken as a fixed number comparison, but it symbolizes unmatched capability rather than literal combat odds.
日本語で読む
数字通りの戦力比較ではなく、比喩的に圧倒的な能力を示す点に注意。

Example

Example 1Basic Example

  1. 一騎当千の武将が敵陣に突入した。

    A warrior worth a thousand charged into the enemy camp.

Example 2Applied Example

  1. 一騎当千の部長が、文化祭準備を一人で片付けた。

    The club president, worth a thousand, finished all the festival prep alone.

Quick check

Meaning

What does 「一騎当千」 mean?

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