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.
Etymology
七転 (seven tumbles) + 八起 (eight rises)
Forms
The native-word version 七転び八起き has the same meaning and is the more common form in everyday speech.
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.