Japanese meaning of 三つ子の魂百まで
Reading:
みつごのたましいひゃくまで (mitsugo no tamashii hyaku made)
English Translation:
What is learned in the cradle is carried to the grave
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Early traits persist throughout life.
Cultural Context:
Appears in child-rearing and education; sometimes discussed with modern developmental psychology.
幼少期の性質や習慣は大人になっても残りやすいという意味。
育児・教育で引用。発達心理学の観点からの再解釈も。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• 三つ子の魂 (mitsugo no tamashii) = “soul of a three-year-old” (noun phrase)
• 百まで (hyaku made) = “until one hundred years old” (set phrase indicating lifetime)
Noun phrase + time expression, showing a person’s nature remains unchanged throughout life.
Trap for English Speakers
Literal meaning may confuse learners; “mitsugo” refers to a three-year-old, and it says early traits persist.
Example
Basic Example
幼いころの性格や癖は三つ子の魂百まで続く。
Habits from childhood remain for life—what is learned in the cradle is carried to the grave.
Applied Example
あいつ、小学時代からの勝負強さが今も健在…三つ子の魂百までだな。
His clutch play from grade school days is still there—what is learned in the cradle is carried to the grave.