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, proverb
many a little makes a mickle
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.

LITERAL MEANING: "Even dust, if it accumulates, becomes a mountain."

USAGE: Used to encourage small but consistent efforts, especially in saving money, studying, or working toward goals.

NUANCE: Can be used positively (encouraging consistent effort) or as a warning (small bad habits or expenses also add up).

SHORTER FORM: Sometimes abbreviated as 塵(ちり)も積(つ)もれば or just referenced as 「塵(ちり)つも」 in casual speech.

ENGLISH EQUIVALENTS:

  • "Many a little makes a mickle"
  • "Little by little adds up"
  • "Every little bit counts"
  • "Take care of the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves"
general
Added 2026.1.17 13:49 · Revised 2026.6.20 3:20
06000/06195_chirimotsumorebayamatonaru