一朝一夕(いっちょういっせき)

いっちょういっせき
noun
in a short time; overnight
1. in a short time; overnight; in a day
A very brief period of time. Almost always used in negative constructions to mean something cannot be achieved quickly.
語学(ごがく)は一朝一夕(いっちょういっせき)には身(み)につかない。
Language skills can't be acquired overnight.
信頼(しんらい)は一朝一夕(いっちょういっせき)には築(きず)けない。
Trust can't be built in a day.
一朝一夕(いっちょういっせき)で成功(せいこう)できるわけがない。
There's no way you can succeed overnight.

Literally "one morning, one evening" - meaning a single day.

Common patterns

Almost always used in negative sentences:

Emphasis

The phrase emphasizes that worthwhile things require time and sustained effort to achieve.

Similar words

general
Added 2026.1.17 6:25 · Revised 2026.9.4 21:29
06000/06023_icchouisseki