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Proverbs

Japanese meaning of 猫も杓子も

ねこもしゃくしも (Neko mo shakushi mo)

English Translation:

Both the cat and the ladle / Every Tom, Dick and Harry

Scene:

Meaning & Cultural Context

Meaning:

Everyone, without exception; used when everybody is doing the same thing.
日本語で読む
だれもかれも、みんな。だれもが同じことをする様子。

Cultural Context:

It is often used with a slightly critical or teasing tone about people all following the same trend.
日本語で読む
みんなが同じ流行に飛びつく様子を、少し批判したり、からかったりする気持ちで使うことが多いです。

Grammar & Learning Points

Grammar Point

•「猫」= a cat. •「杓子」= a ladle or rice scoop. •「〜も〜も」= both ... and .... Often 「猫も杓子も〜する」.
日本語で読む
•「猫」はネコ。•「杓子」はしゃもじやおたま。「猫も杓子も〜する」の形でよく使います。

Trap for English Speakers

It has nothing to do with cats or cooking; it simply means "everyone." It can sound dismissive, so be careful using it about people directly.
日本語で読む
猫や料理の話ではなく、「だれもかれも」という意味です。相手を軽く見る感じがあるので、目の前の人に使うときは注意が必要です。

Example

Example 1Basic Example

  1. 最近は猫も杓子もスマホで動画を撮っている。

    These days, everyone and their dog is filming videos on their phones.

Example 2Applied Example

  1. 里で変化の術がはやり、猫も杓子もタヌキに化けたので、本物のタヌキが仲間を見つけられなくなった。

    Shape-shifting became a fad in the village, and with absolutely everyone turning into a raccoon dog, the real raccoon dogs could no longer find their friends.

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Quick check

Meaning

What does 「猫も杓子も」 mean?

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