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Yojijukugo

Japanese meaning of 七転八起

Reading:

しちてんはっき (shichiten hakki)

English Translation:

Fall seven times, get up eight. / Never give up, no matter how many times you fail.

Meaning & Cultural Context

Meaning:

The ability to bounce back from repeated failures by persevering and trying again. It celebrates mental toughness and resilience, showing that setbacks are only temporary and can be overcome.
日本語で読む
何度失敗しても、そのたびにあきらめずに立ち上がり、再挑戦を続ける強い意志や精神力を称える言葉。逆境に負けず、前向きに努力し続ける人の姿を表現しています。

Cultural Context:

Used in motivational speeches, sports, and education, the phrase embodies resilience as a celebrated trait in Japanese culture.
日本語で読む
スポーツ、教育、講演などで使われ、日本文化における粘り強さや根気の美徳を象徴する。

Grammar & Learning Points

Grammar Point

• "Fall seven times, get up eight." = Literal translation expressing persistence.<br>• Often paraphrased in English as "Never give up" or "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again."
日本語で読む
• 直訳の「七回転んでも八回起き上がる」という形で根気強さを表現。英語では「Never give up」「If at first you don't succeed, try, try again」などもよく使う。

Trap for English Speakers

Direct translation can sound awkward or confusing; use natural English phrases to convey the message.
日本語で読む
直訳のままだと英語圏で伝わりづらいので、「Never give up」など自然な表現で伝える方が良い。

Example

Example 1Basic Example

  1. 何度失敗しても七転八起だ。

    No matter how many times you fail, fall seven times and get up eight.

Example 2Applied Example

  1. 巨人に何度倒されても立ち上がる。七転八起こそ人類の魂だ。

    No matter how many times the giants knocked them down, they rose again — fall seven times, get up eight.

Quick check

Meaning

What does 「七転八起」 mean?

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