288Japanese quotation 名言
少しのことにも先達はあらまほしきことなり
すこしのことにもせんだつはあらまほしきことなりSukoshi no koto ni mo sendatsu wa aramahoshiki koto nari
“Even in small things, a guide is desirable.”
The meaning
Kenkō thus concludes the story of a visitor who missed the essential for not asking his way. The pride of doing without a guide costs more than the question left unasked.
At the origin
The famous conclusion of chapter 52 of the "Tsurezuregusa".
The characters
- 少し sukoshismall, little
- の noof (link)
- こと kotothing
- に
- も
- 先達
- は
- あらまほしき
- こと
- なり
のParticleLinks two words: possession or belonging, like “of”.
In practice
Before your next "small" undertaking, ask advice of someone who has done it.
Themes
Similar proverbs
- 015 初心忘るべからず Never forget the beginner's spirit.
- 017 井の中の蛙大海を知らず The frog at the bottom of the well knows nothing of the great ocean.
- 088 聞くは一時の恥、聞かぬは一生の恥 To ask is a moment's shame; not to ask is a lifetime's shame.
- 089 人の振り見て我が振り直せ Watch others' conduct and mend your own.
- 094 負うた子に教えられて浅瀬を渡る The child on your back shows you the ford.