Proverbs
Japanese meaning of 果報は寝て待て
Voice sample:
かほうはねてまて (Kahō wa nete mate)
English Translation:
Good things come to those who wait / Do your best, then wait for luck
Scene: Advice Encouragement
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Good fortune can't be forced, so after doing what you can, wait calmly for it to arrive. This proverb advises patience instead of anxious rushing.
日本語で読む
幸運は人の力で急がせることはできないので、やるべきことをやったら焦らず気長に待てという教えです。
Cultural Context:
Not an excuse for laziness; it reflects the idea of doing your part and leaving the rest to fate (人事を尽くして天命を待つ).
日本語で読む
怠けてよいという意味ではなく、「人事を尽くして天命を待つ」に通じる考え方です。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
寝て (nete) is the te-form of 寝る, and 待て (mate) is the imperative of 待つ: "sleep and wait."
日本語で読む
「寝て」は「寝る」のて形、「待て」は「待つ」の命令形で、「寝て待ちなさい」という形です。
Trap for English Speakers
It does not mean "just sleep and do nothing"; it means wait calmly after doing your best.
日本語で読む
「何もせず寝ていればいい」という意味ではなく、努力した後は落ち着いて待てという意味です。
Example
Example 1Basic Example
面接はやり切ったし、あとは果報は寝て待てだ。
I gave the interview my all. Now good things come to those who wait.
Example 2Applied Example
密書は確かに届けた。果報は寝て待て、忍びは屋根の上で静かに知らせを待った。
The secret letter had been delivered. Good things come to those who wait — the ninja waited quietly on the rooftop for news.
Quick check
Meaning
What does 「果報は寝て待て」 mean?