塵(ちり)も積(つ)もれば山(やま)となる

ちりもつもればやまとなる
expression
many a little makes a mickle
proverb
1. many a little makes a mickle, small things accumulate to become big
Even small amounts, when accumulated over time, can become something significant.
「塵(ちり)も積(つ)もれば山(やま)となる」だから、毎日(まいにち)少(すこ)しずつ貯金(ちょきん)している。
Since 'little by little adds up,' I save a little every day.
塵(ちり)も積(つ)もれば山(やま)となるというように、小(ちい)さな努力(どりょく)が大(おお)きな成果(せいか)につながる。
As the saying goes, small efforts lead to big results.
一(いち)円(えん)でも無駄(むだ)にしない。塵(ちり)も積(つ)もれば山(やま)となるからね。
I don't waste even one yen. After all, every little bit counts.

Etymology

Literally "even dust, if it piles up, becomes a mountain."

Usage

Used to encourage small but steady efforts, especially saving money or studying, and also as a warning that small expenses or bad habits add up. Often shortened to 塵(ちり)も積(つ)もれば, or in casual speech to ちりつも.

Close English equivalents

  • "Many a little makes a mickle"
  • "Every little bit counts"
  • "Take care of the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves"

Related Words

Compare: 継続(けいぞく)は力(ちから)なり (persistence pays off)
general
Added 2026.1.17 13:49 · Revised 2026.10.9 4:21
06000/06195_chirimotsumorebayamatonaru