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Proverbs

Japanese meaning of 七転び八起き

Reading:

ななころびやおき (Nana korobi ya oki)

English Translation:

If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again / Fall down seven times, get up eight

Emotion: Scene:

Meaning & Cultural Context

Meaning:

No matter how many times you fail, what matters most is your ability to stand back up. This proverb embodies resilience and the never-give-up spirit, emphasizing that true strength lies in persistence.
日本語で読む
何度失敗しても、そのたびに立ち上がることが真の強さであるという教え。あきらめずに挑戦し続ける姿勢の重要性を表しています。

Cultural Context:

Persistence is highly valued in Japanese culture, and this proverb embodies the spirit of never giving up.
日本語で読む
日本文化では「粘り強さ」が重んじられ、このことわざは諦めない精神を象徴しています。

Grammar & Learning Points

Grammar Point

Uses numerical repetition to emphasize frequency and resilience.
日本語で読む
数詞の繰り返しで回数を強調し、何度でも立ち上がる力を表現。

Trap for English Speakers

May be misinterpreted as literal falling and rising, but it's metaphorical.
日本語で読む
直訳すると物理的な意味に見えるが、比喩的表現です。

Example

Example 1Basic Example

  1. 何度失敗しても、七転び八起きでまた立ち上がる。

    No matter how many times you fail, if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.

Example 2Applied Example

  1. 投げられても立ち上がり、また向かっていく。七転び八起き、その執念が試合を変えた。

    Thrown to the mat, she stood up again and faced her opponent. Fall down seven times, get up eight — that persistence changed the match.

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Quick check

Meaning

What does 「七転び八起き」 mean?

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