(ななころ)(やお)

ななころびやおき
expression (proverb)
fall seven times, get up eight; never give up
1. fall down seven times, get up eight
A proverb encouraging perseverance and resilience. No matter how many times you fail, you should always get back up and try again.
七転(ななころ)八起(やお)きの精神(せいしん)頑張(がんば)ろう。
Let's persevere with the spirit of 'fall seven times, get up eight.'
失敗(しっぱい)しても(あきら)めない。七転(ななころ)八起(やお)きだ。
Even if I fail, I won't give up. Fall seven times, get up eight.
人生(じんせい)七転(ななころ)八起(やお)き。何度(なんど)でもやり(なお)せる。
Life is about getting back up no matter how many times you fall. You can always start over.

PROVERB MEANING:
Literally 'seven falls, eight rises.' The idea is that even if you fall seven times, you rise one more time than you fall, emphasizing resilience and perseverance.

CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE:
This proverb reflects the Japanese cultural value of 頑張(がんば)り (perseverance, persistence). It encourages people not to be defeated by setbacks.

DARUMA CONNECTION:
The 達磨(だるま) (Daruma doll) is a symbol of this proverb. Daruma dolls are weighted at the bottom so they always return to an upright position when tipped over.

RELATED EXPRESSIONS:

  • ()けるな: Don't give up
  • (あきら)めるな: Don't give up
  • 根性(こんじょう): guts, determination