Yojijukugo
Japanese meaning of 東奔西走
Reading:
Voice sample:
とうほんせいそう (touhon seisou)
English Translation:
Running around in all directions to accomplish tasks
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Running around in all directions to accomplish tasks; being constantly busy.
日本語で読む
あちこち奔走して物事を成し遂げようとすること。
Cultural Context:
Used in political, journalistic, and business contexts to describe tireless activity across regions or departments.
日本語で読む
政界・取材・ビジネスで、各地を忙しく駆け回る様子を表す決まり文句。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase indicating running everywhere for a purpose, often with “する.”
日本語で読む
目的のためにあちこち奔走する様子を表す動詞的表現。
Trap for English Speakers
May be taken as aimless wandering without the nuance of purposeful action.
日本語で読む
目的を持った奔走の意味を理解せず、漫然と歩き回ると誤解することがある。
Example
Example 1Basic Example
彼は仕事のために東奔西走している。
He is running around in all directions for work.
Example 2Applied Example
新規事業のために彼は東奔西走している。
He is running around in all directions for the new business.
Quick check
Meaning
What does 「東奔西走」 mean?