七転八起
しちてんはっき
noun
fall seven times, rise eight; perseverance
colloquialidiom
See also:
七転び八起き (colloquial reading)
1.
fall seven times, rise eight; perseverance through repeated failures
The spirit of never giving up despite repeated failures; getting back up one more time than you fall down.
FOUR-CHARACTER IDIOM (四字熟語):
七転 (seven tumbles) + 八起 (eight rises)
Alternate reading
Also read as 七転び八起き in a more colloquial style.
Usage
The logic is that if you fall seven times but get up eight times, you end up standing—symbolizing resilience and determination.
Cultural note
Often associated with 達磨 (Daruma) dolls, which are designed to right themselves when knocked over.