Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Said when you are so busy that you would even accept help from a cat. This proverb expresses being extremely busy and short-handed.
日本語で読む
役に立たない猫の手でも借りたいほど忙しいという意味。人手が足りず、とても忙しい様子を表します。
Cultural Context:
It may be used in everyday talk and at work, for example during busy seasons like the end of the year.
日本語で読む
日常会話や職場で、年末などの繁忙期に使われることがあります。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
も means "even," and 借りたい is 借りる + the desire form たい: "want to borrow even a cat's paws."
日本語で読む
「も」は「〜でさえ」、「借りたい」は「借りる」に願望の「たい」が付いた形です。
Trap for English Speakers
It does not mean you actually want a cat's help; it only shows how busy you are.
日本語で読む
本当に猫に手伝ってほしいわけではなく、忙しさの程度を表すたとえです。
Example
Example 1Basic Example
年末の店は猫の手も借りたいほどの忙しさだ。
At the end of the year, the shop is so busy we need all the help we can get.
Example 2Applied Example
敵の大軍が三方から迫る。分身の術を使っても足りない。猫の手も借りたいとはこのことだ。
A huge enemy army closed in from three sides. Even clone jutsu wasn't enough. This is what needing all the help you can get really means.
Quick check
Meaning
What does 「猫の手も借りたい」 mean?