Yojijukugo
Japanese meaning of 虚々実々
Reading:
Voice sample:
きょきょじつじつ (kyokyo jitsujitsu)
English Translation:
Feints and real moves in strategy
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
A dance of feints and real moves—strategic probing mixed with genuine actions.
日本語で読む
虚と実を織り交ぜた駆け引き。探り合いと本手が交錯する状況。
Cultural Context:
Stock phrase in political reporting and negotiation analysis: “虚々実々の攻防.”
日本語で読む
政治報道・交渉解説での決まり文句「虚々実々の攻防」。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase for feint and reality in tactics; often with “の駆け引き.”
日本語で読む
• 嘘や策略と本当の行動を巧みに使い分ける様子を表し、「〜の駆け引き」と組み合わせることが多い。
Trap for English Speakers
May be mistaken as purely dishonest.
日本語で読む
単なる不誠実さと誤解されることがある。
Example
Example 1Basic Example
両者の交渉は虚々実々の駆け引きだった。
The negotiation between the two was a mixture of feints and real moves.
Example 2Applied Example
二人の剣士は虚々実々の攻防を繰り広げ、観客を熱狂させた。
The two swordsmen engaged in a battle of feints and real moves in strategy, thrilling the crowd.
Quick check
Meaning
What does 「虚々実々」 mean?