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Proverbs

Japanese meaning of 敵は本能寺にあり

てきはほんのうじにあり (Teki wa Honnōji ni ari)

English Translation:

The enemy is at Honnōji / My real target is elsewhere

Scene:

Meaning & Cultural Context

Meaning:

One's true aim is hidden behind a different stated goal. This proverb describes concealing your real purpose.
日本語で読む
本当の目的は別のところにある、という意味。真の目的を隠して行動することを表します。

Cultural Context:

In 1582, Akechi Mitsuhide is said to have spoken these words when he turned his army against his lord Oda Nobunaga at Honnōji temple.
日本語で読む
1582年、明智光秀が主君・織田信長のいる本能寺へ軍を向けた時に言ったとされる言葉です。

Grammar & Learning Points

Grammar Point

にあり is the classical form of にある ("is at").
日本語で読む
「にあり」は「にある」の古い言い方です。

Trap for English Speakers

Today it is not about a real enemy or temple; it means a hidden true goal.
日本語で読む
現代では実際の敵や寺のことではなく、隠れた本当の目的を指します。

Example

Example 1Basic Example

  1. 彼が急に料理を手伝い始めた。敵は本能寺にあり、本当の目的はつまみ食いだ。

    He suddenly started helping with the cooking. His real target is elsewhere — he just wants to sneak bites.

Example 2Applied Example

  1. 忍びは米蔵を襲うふりをして番兵を集めた。敵は本能寺にあり、本当の狙いは城主の寝所だった。

    The ninja pretended to raid the rice storehouse to draw the guards away. The enemy is at Honnōji — his real target was the lord's bedchamber.

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Quick check

Meaning

What does 「敵は本能寺にあり」 mean?

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