Yojijukugo
Japanese meaning of 捲土重来
Reading:
Voice sample:
けんどちょうらい (kendo chourai)
English Translation:
Returning with renewed vigor after defeat
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Returning with renewed vigor after a defeat or setback.
日本語で読む
敗北や失敗の後に再び勢いを盛り返すこと。
Cultural Context:
From Chinese poetry; in sports, politics, and personal recovery stories, signals determination for a comeback.
日本語で読む
中国詩文に由来。スポーツ・政治・再起物語で「リベンジ」や再挑戦の意志を示す。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase for comeback after defeat; often with “を果たす.”
日本語で読む
• 一度失敗した後で再び勢いを取り戻す様子を表し、「〜を果たす」と組み合わせることが多い。
Trap for English Speakers
May be misunderstood as always guaranteed success.
日本語で読む
必ず成功するという意味と誤解されることがある。
Example
Example 1Basic Example
彼は捲土重来を期して再挑戦した。
He returned with renewed vigor after defeat to try again.
Example 2Applied Example
「去年は負けたけど、今年こそ捲土重来だ！」
We lost last year, but this year we’ll return with renewed vigor after defeat!
Quick check
Meaning
What does 「捲土重来」 mean?