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)
駑馬十駕(dobajuga)
■The Meaning of “駑馬十駕(dobajuga)”
Even without natural talent, through persistent effort, one can catch up to or even match the best.
駑馬(doba): A horse with slow legs; a person of ordinary talent
十駕(juga): Running continuously for ten days (= sustained effort)
⇒ “Even a slow horse, running for ten days straight, can match a fine horse’s single stride.”
A saying that values the power of persistence over birth.
■The Origin of “駑馬十駕(dobajuga)”
Originating from the words of Xunzi, a philosopher of China’s Warring States period.
The original text reads:
“Even a slow horse, driven for ten days, will achieve its goal. The key lies in perseverance.”
This reflects a philosophy that rejects determinism regarding talent differences, placing “sustained effort” above all else.
