Japanese meaning of 船頭多くして船山に登る
Reading:
せんどうおおくしてふねやまにのぼる (sendō ōku shite funeyama ni noboru)
English Translation:
Too many cooks spoil the broth
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Too many leaders cause confusion.
Cultural Context:
Classic project-management warning; common in committees and student groups.
指示役が多すぎると物事がまとまらないという意味。
プロジェクト管理の戒め。委員会・サークルなどで頻出。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• 船頭 (sendō) = “boatman” (noun)
• 多くして (ōku shite) = continuative form meaning “being many”
• 船山に登る (fune yama ni noboru) = “the boat goes up the mountain” (verb phrase)
Adverbial clause + main clause, illustrating disorder from too many leaders.
Trap for English Speakers
Literal meaning may confuse learners; it shows how too many leaders cause confusion.
Example
Basic Example
指示役が多すぎると、船頭多くして船山に登るだ。
Too many leaders cause confusion—too many cooks spoil the broth.
Applied Example
監督とコーチとキャプテンが同時に指示…船頭多くして船山に登るだな。
Coach, assistant, and captain all shouting orders—too many cooks spoil the broth.