Introducing the coolest Japanese phrases, as chosen by the Japanese people themselves.
This time, it’s the three-letter word edition.
Two-Character Edition is here
Three-Character Edition is here
- 一騎当千(ikkitosen)
- 疾風怒濤(shippudoto)
- 泰然自若(taizenjijaku)
- 八面玲瓏(hachimenreiro)
- 猛虎伏草(mokofukuso)
- 鬼面仏心(kimembusshin)
- 国士無双(kokushimuso)
- 百折不撓(hyakusetsufuto)
- 万里一空(banriikku)
- 駑馬十駕(dobajuga)
国士無双(kokushimuso)
■The Meaning of “国士無双(kokushimuso)”
A person so outstanding and unparalleled that there is no other like them in the entire nation.
This phrase uses kanji characters that themselves indicate the magnitude of the praise.
国士(kokushi)： A person indispensable to the nation. An exceptional talent who supports the country.
無双(muso)： Having no equal.
Therefore, “国士無双(kokushimuso)” means
a one-of-a-kind talent who is irreplaceable even on a national scale.
Its defining characteristic is that it is used as a comprehensive evaluation encompassing not just high ability,
but also character, courage, insight, and initiative.
It is also one of the yakuman (full house) hands in mahjong.
■The Origin of “国士無双(kokushimuso)”
A phrase originating from the historical text Records of the Grand Historian from China’s Western Han Dynasty.
It is said that when the renowned general Han Xin was still unknown,
Xiao He highly praised him,
calling him “a peerless national treasure.”
This single phrase became the catalyst
for Han Xin to be highly valued by Han King Liu Bang,
ultimately playing a decisive role in the founding of the Han Dynasty.
