Yojijukugo
Japanese meaning of 君子豹変
Reading:
Voice sample:
くんしひょうへん (kunshi hyouhen)
English Translation:
A noble person quickly changes their ways for the better
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
A noble person changes their ways as quickly as a leopard changes its spots—adaptability as a virtue.
日本語で読む
徳のある人は状況に応じて素早く態度を改めること。
Cultural Context:
From Chinese classics; in Japanese can mean both positive adaptability and sudden inconsistency depending on context.
日本語で読む
中国古典由来。日本語では肯定的な順応力にも、否定的な豹変にも使われる。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase modifying “人” or “態度” to describe drastic change.
日本語で読む
• 大きな変化を表し、「〜な人」「〜な態度」として形容する。
Trap for English Speakers
May be assumed to be hypocritical change, but it can also mean positive reform.
日本語で読む
偽善的な変化とだけ解釈されやすいが、肯定的な改革にも使う。
Example
Example 1Basic Example
彼は間違いを認め、君子豹変した。
He admitted his mistake and quickly changed his ways for the better.
Example 2Applied Example
彼は過去の過ちを悔い、君子豹変した。
He repented his past mistakes and changed for the better.
Quick check
Meaning
What does 「君子豹変」 mean?