Yojijukugo
Japanese meaning of 他力本願
Reading:
Voice sample:
たりきほんがん (tariki hongan)
English Translation:
Relying on others' help or grace
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Originally “reliance on the Buddha’s vow/grace”; modern usage often (mis)reads it as “leaving things to others.”
日本語で読む
本来は阿弥陀仏の本願に依る意。現代では「人任せ」の意で俗用されることが多い。
Cultural Context:
Style guides sometimes note the gap between doctrinal meaning and colloquial pejorative use; context decides tone.
日本語で読む
本義と俗用のズレが話題になる語。文脈次第で敬虔にも否定的ニュアンスにも転ぶ。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase for relying on others’ power; often with “の考え.”
日本語で読む
• 他人の力や助けに頼る様子を表し、「〜の考え」と組み合わせることが多い。
Trap for English Speakers
May be misunderstood as laziness.
日本語で読む
怠惰さと誤解されることがある。
Example
Example 1Basic Example
彼は他力本願で、すべて人任せだ。
He relies on others' help or grace, leaving everything to them.
Example 2Applied Example
彼はいつも他力本願で、自ら剣を取ることはなかった。
He was always relying on others' help or grace, never taking up the sword himself.
Quick check
Meaning
What does 「他力本願」 mean?