Japanese meaning of 三人寄れば文殊の知恵
Reading:
さんにんよればもんじゅのちえ (Sannin yoreba Monju no chie)
English Translation:
Two (or three) heads are better than one
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
When three people gather, wisdom like that of Monju (the bodhisattva of wisdom) emerges. This proverb expresses the idea that people can find better solutions together than alone, highlighting the power of collaboration, discussion, and collective thinking.
Cultural Context:
Japanese culture often values group harmony and collective intelligence.
三人集まれば文殊菩薩のような知恵も生まれる、つまり複数人で話し合えば一人では思いつかない良いアイディアや解決策が出るという意味です。協力や相談の大切さを説いています。
日本社会では集団の調和や協力が重視され、このことわざにも反映されています。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
Emphasizes the idea that wisdom increases with more people.
Trap for English Speakers
“Monju” refers to the bodhisattva of wisdom in Buddhism, not a person’s name.
Example
Basic Example
行き詰まった企画も、三部署でブレストしたら「三人寄れば文殊の知恵」で突破口が見えた。
When three departments brainstormed, two or three heads were better than one and the plan finally moved.
Applied Example
ベンチに戻ると、捕手とコーチが加わる。三人寄れば文殊の知恵で、次の回は三者凡退に抑えた。
Back on the bench, the catcher and coach joined in; two heads are better than one, and the next inning was three up, three down.