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)
猛虎伏草(mokofukuso)
■The Meaning of “猛虎伏草(mokofukuso)”
The truly strong do not flaunt their power outwardly, but quietly keep a low profile.
This four-character idiom creates a powerful contrast through the kanji themselves.
猛虎 (moko): A fierce and terrifying tiger. A symbol of overwhelming power and strength.
伏草 (fukuso): Lying hidden in the grass
Thus, “猛虎伏草(mokofukuso)” depicts
a tiger, inherently possessing tremendous power, lying quietly in the grass to stalk its prey.
By extension, it means that
true masters of skill
great figures
genuine powerhouses
do not boast lightly, make a fuss,
but instead behave calmly and modestly.
■The Origin of “猛虎伏草(mokofukuso)”
An expression rooted in classical Chinese thought,
this proverb likens the lesson that
“the strong do not rashly display their power”
to the demeanor of a tiger in nature.
It aligns well with Confucian and military strategy philosophies,
concisely expressing the idea that
true strength lies in concealing one’s capabilities.
