Japanese meaning of 南船北馬
Reading:
なんせんほくば (nansen hokuba)
English Translation:
Constant traveling; being always on the move
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Constant, wide-ranging travel; a life lived on the road. Literally “boats in the south, horses in the north,” evoking ceaseless movement across regions.
Cultural Context:
Classical Chinese origin; in Japan, used for itinerant artists, salespeople, or anyone perpetually in transit.
南では船、北では馬—各地を絶えず行き来する多忙な旅暮らし。転じて放浪・奔走の生活。
漢籍由来。日本では旅芸人・商人・営業など「移動が常態」の人を指す比喩として使われる。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase with “の旅” or “の生活” to describe constant travel or a wandering life (“南船北馬の生活”).
• Often used in historical or literary contexts.
Trap for English Speakers
Could be misinterpreted as a specific route or place, but it’s a metaphor for traveling *everywhere*.
Example
Basic Example
彼は南船北馬の生活で全国を飛び回っている。
He lives a life of constant travel across the country.
Applied Example
南船北馬の生活で、家にいる時間はほとんどなかった。
His life was one of constant travel by ship and horse, leaving little time at home.