JAPAN IN
ONE MINUTE 
~ Daruma and the Spirit of Perseverance: Discover “Nanakorobi Yaoki” ~
Last time, I told you about Daruma,
but do you know a Yojijukugo that’s related to Daruma?
Want to learn what Yojijukugo are? Check out our introduction post here!
Wait, there’s a Yojijukugo related to Daruma?
Tell me about it!
Want to learn what Daruma is? Check out our post here!
I want to know too!
If it’s a word related to Daruma, does it have something to do with not giving up?
Exactly! This phrase expresses the attitude that no matter how many times you fail in life,
you will never give up and keep getting back up.
That Yojijukugo is called “Nanakorobi Yaoki“.
Tap to listen: “Nanakorobi Yaoki”
Judging from the meaning of the kanji, does it mean falling down seven times and getting up eight?
Yes! Every time you fall or face a setback, you stand up and try again.
That sounds tough but super cool!
Like a hero in a manga!
Yeah, it’s a mindset that’s really valued here. We often use this phrase in sports, work, or study situations.
Like an athlete who loses, gets injured, but keeps training and eventually wins.
Mastering Japanese is really tough, but I’ll keep going with the spirit of “Nanakorobi Yaoki“!
Summary
“Nanakorobi Yaoki” (七転び八起き) is a Yojijukugo (Japanese four-character idiom). It means “the never-give-up spirit valued in Japanese culture”.
