Japanese meaning of 弘法筆を選ばず
Reading:
こうぼうふでをえらばず (kōbō fude o erabazu)
English Translation:
A good workman does not blame his tools
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Skill matters more than tools.
Cultural Context:
Also tied to Kōbō Daishi; quoted in creative fields, though modern tech work notes tool importance too.
道具より腕前がものを言うという意味。
弘法大師の逸話にも関連。創作・開発で引用されるが、現代では道具重要論との併記も。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• 弘法 (Kōbō) = “Kōbō Daishi,” a famous Buddhist monk (proper noun)
• 筆を選ばず (fude o erabazu) = “does not choose his brush” (verb phrase with classical negative form)
Noun + verb phrase showing that a master can perform well regardless of tools.
Trap for English Speakers
Might be taken as actually saying tools never matter; proverb praises skill, though modern contexts value good tools too.
Example
Basic Example
本当に腕の立つ人は道具を選ばない、弘法筆を選ばずだ。
A skilled person doesn’t blame their tools—a good workman does not blame his tools.
Applied Example
練習用の古いラケットでも完勝…弘法筆を選ばずだ。
Winning easily with an old practice racket—a good workman does not blame his tools.