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Proverbs

Japanese meaning of 親の七光り

おやのななひかり (Oya no nanahikari)

English Translation:

A parent's seven lights / Riding on a parent's fame

Scene:

Meaning & Cultural Context

Meaning:

Getting benefits thanks to your parent's fame or status, rather than your own ability.
日本語で読む
親の名声や地位のおかげで、子どもが得をすること。

Cultural Context:

It is usually used critically, for example about the children of celebrities or company owners. Some people say it about themselves, as in 親の七光りと言われたくない.
日本語で読む
有名人や社長の子どもなどについて、批判的に使うことが多い言葉です。「親の七光りと言われたくない」のように、本人が使うこともあります。

Grammar & Learning Points

Grammar Point

•「親」= a parent. •「七光り」= the great influence of someone's fame; 七 here means "many." Often 「親の七光りで〜」.
日本語で読む
•「親」は父や母。•「七光り」は大きな威光のこと。「七」は「たくさん」という意味。「親の七光りで〜」の形でよく使います。

Trap for English Speakers

It is not praise; it suggests the person did not earn their success on their own.
日本語で読む
ほめ言葉ではなく、本人の実力ではないという意味がこもります。

Example

Example 1Basic Example

  1. 親の七光りと言われないよう、彼女は本名を隠してオーディションを受けた。

    So that no one could say she was riding on her parents' fame, she auditioned without using her real name.

Example 2Applied Example

  1. 伝説の忍者の息子は親の七光りで入門したが、初日に自分の影におどろいて気を失った。

    The son of a legendary ninja got in on his father's fame, but on his first day he fainted after being startled by his own shadow.

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Quick check

Meaning

What does 「親の七光り」 mean?

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