Japanese meaning of 油断大敵
Reading:
ゆだんたいてき (yudan taiteki)
English Translation:
Carelessness leads to disaster
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
A warning that even a brief lapse in attention or a small act of carelessness can lead to major trouble or failure.
Cultural Context:
From martial arts and military language, now common in safety campaigns and sports coaching.
ほんの少しの油断や気の緩みが、思わぬ大きな失敗やトラブルにつながることがあるという教え。慎重さの重要性を説いています。
武道や軍事用語に由来し、現代では安全啓発やスポーツ指導でよく使われる。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase modifying “だ” or “である” to warn about complacency.
Trap for English Speakers
May be misunderstood as warning only in combat, missing everyday safety usage.
Example
Basic Example
試合での油断は大敵だ。
Letting your guard down in a game is the greatest enemy.
Applied Example
試合終了間際の失点。油断大敵を痛感した。
A goal conceded in the final moments — a harsh lesson that carelessness is your worst enemy.