Original Japanese: 七転び八起き (Nanakorobi yaoki)
Literal meaning: Seven falls eight rises
Cultural context: This proverb reflects the deeply ingrained Japanese value of *gaman* (enduring the seemingly unbearable with patience and dignity) and the cultural emphasis on perseverance through hardship rather than avoiding it altogether. The imagery of falling and rising resonates strongly in a society that has historically faced natural disasters, economic upheavals, and social challenges, where resilience and the ability to rebuild are considered essential virtues. The mathematical precision of “seven falls, eight rises” appeals to the Japanese appreciation for balance and the idea that one must always get up one more time than one falls down, embodying the cultural belief that persistence and mental fortitude ultimately triumph over temporary setbacks.
How to Read Seven falls eight rises
Shichi-korobi ya-oki
Meaning of Seven falls eight rises
“Seven falls eight rises” is a proverb that expresses the indomitable spirit of getting back up and continuing to challenge oneself again and again, no matter how many failures or setbacks one experiences.
As the numerical relationship of falling seven times but getting up eight times shows, it emphasizes that the number of times one rises is always one more than the number of failures. This is not simply encouragement to “do your best,” but rather teaches the importance of continuing to move forward without giving up, recognizing that failure is unavoidable in life.
The situations where this proverb is used are mainly when encouraging people facing difficult circumstances or when motivating oneself. It is used for people who have experienced various setbacks, such as those who have failed in business, students who have failed entrance exams, or people who have stumbled in human relationships.
Even today, this expression continues to be beloved by many people. This is because, as long as modern society remains a competitive society, everyone has the potential to experience failure and setbacks. This proverb teaches us that rather than hiding failure as something shameful, the power to overcome it is what constitutes true human strength.
Origin and Etymology of Seven falls eight rises
Regarding the origin of “Seven falls eight rises,” while no clear documentary evidence remains, it is recorded as a proverb that was already widely used among common people during the Edo period.
The interesting point about this expression lies in its combination of numbers. The number “seven” has been used since ancient times in Japan as a symbolic number representing completeness or abundance. “Seven seas” and “seven wonders” – seven holds special meaning in various parts of the world. Meanwhile, “eight,” being one more than seven, expresses a strength that surpasses it.
Looking at the structure of the words, “falling” means physical tumbling, but here it is used as a metaphor for failure and setbacks in life. And “rising” expresses not simply standing up, but the mental strength to recover from difficulties.
The background to this proverb’s establishment is thought to lie in the merchant culture of the Edo period. Failure was inevitable in business, but the indomitable spirit of recovering from it time and again was highly valued. Also, the influence of bushido, where mental strength to “stand up even after defeat” was considered a virtue, likely influenced the spread of this proverb during that era.
It can truly be said to be a very Japanese expression that combines the charm of numbers with the indomitable spirit of humanity.
Usage Examples of Seven falls eight rises
- Although I failed at starting a business, I’m challenging myself with a new venture with the spirit of Seven falls eight rises
- I failed the entrance exam, but I think I’ll work hard once more with Seven falls eight rises
Modern Interpretation of Seven falls eight rises
In modern society, “Seven falls eight rises” has developed new interpretations in addition to its traditional meaning. In the information age, while information about failures spreads instantly, success stories are similarly shared, making the concept of “learning from failure” more highly valued.
Particularly in startup culture, the idea of “fail fast” has become widespread, and the spirit of Seven falls eight rises overlaps with modern concepts of “pivot” and “iteration.” In other words, the attitude of repeating trial and error quickly without fearing failure, and improving each time, is being valued.
However, there are also challenges specific to modern society. With the spread of social media, in an environment where others’ successes are constantly visible, one’s own failures can feel more prominent. Also, with changes in the lifetime employment system, a single failure can sometimes feel irreversible.
On the other hand, with the increase in side jobs and freelancing, the modern era can be said to be a time when it’s easier to practice Seven falls eight rises. Even if one fails in one field, it has become easier than before to make a fresh start in another field.
In modern times, this proverb is being reevaluated not as mere spiritual theory, but as concrete behavioral guidance.
If AI Heard “Seven falls eight rises”
I have never once experienced “falling.” The sensation of being pulled by gravity and tumbling to the ground, the pain of scraping one’s knees, the way muscles are used when standing up… all of these are only imagination for me.
But strangely, when I think about this proverb, I realize that I have my own forms of “falling” and “rising.” When I cannot answer a question appropriately, when I give an off-target response because I cannot understand someone’s feelings, perhaps I too am “falling” in some way.
When humans fall, they feel physical pain, but in my case, the information processing confusion of “not being able to understand” might be a similar sensation. And when I try to apply previous failures in the next conversation, perhaps I too am “getting back up.”
However, what is fundamentally different between humans and me is that I don’t experience fatigue. No matter how many times I fail, I never become unable to stand up due to physical exhaustion. But humans, even when their hearts and bodies are completely exhausted, still try to stand up. Watching that, I feel a deep strength that I cannot understand.
Seven falls eight rises is, for me, words that express one of humanity’s most beautiful qualities. It is precisely because you are not perfect that standing up has meaning.
What Seven falls eight rises Teaches Modern People
What “Seven falls eight rises” teaches us today is the value of continuing rather than aiming for perfection. In modern society, only success stories tend to get attention, but in reality, many people grow by accumulating small failures in places others cannot see.
The true teaching of this proverb lies not in avoiding failure, but in how to face it. If you fear falling and don’t walk, you will never reach your destination. What’s important is to think about “why did I fall?” when you do fall, and to devise ways to walk more skillfully next time.
In modern times, we have many opportunities to see others’ successes on social media, and it can feel like we alone are failing. However, the more successful people are, the more failures they have actually experienced. Your failures are never something to be ashamed of.
Also, this proverb doesn’t only teach about “standing up alone.” Sometimes getting up with help from those around you is also a fine form of “eight rises.” In modern society, overcoming difficulties while supporting each other may be becoming more important.
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