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Proverbs

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.
日本語で読む
道具より腕前がものを言うという意味。

Cultural Context:

Also tied to Kōbō Daishi; quoted in creative fields, though modern tech work notes tool importance too.
日本語で読む
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)<br>• 筆を選ばず (fude o erabazu) = “does not choose his brush” (verb phrase with classical negative form)<br>Noun + verb phrase showing that a master can perform well regardless of tools.
日本語で読む
• 弘法 = 平安時代の高僧「弘法大師」を表す固有名詞<br>• 筆を選ばず = 動詞「選ぶ」の古典的否定形で「選ばない」の意味<br>道具を問わず成果を出せる達人を表します。

Trap for English Speakers

Might be taken as actually saying tools never matter; proverb praises skill, though modern contexts value good tools too.
日本語で読む
道具は不要だと読む人がいるが、腕前重視の教訓（現代では良い道具の重要性も併記される）。

Example

Example 1Basic Example

  1. 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.

Example 2Applied Example

  1. 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.

Quick check

Meaning

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