Crow Head Becomes White And Horse Grows Horns: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read “Crow head becomes white and horse grows horns”

Utō shiroku shite uma tsuno wo shōzu

Meaning of “Crow head becomes white and horse grows horns”

This proverb is used to express “something that will absolutely never happen” or “something impossible.”

By citing phenomena that go against the laws of nature, it emphasizes how unrealistic a particular situation or event is. It is used when the possibility of someone’s claims, promises, or expectations coming true is virtually nonexistent. It is also used to express one’s own determination or firmness of will, sometimes employed with the strong negative meaning of “I will absolutely never do ~ until such a thing happens.”

In modern times, it is used to refer to things that are scientifically impossible or events that greatly deviate from social common sense. In business settings, it is utilized to euphemistically reject unfeasible plans or proposals, and in academic contexts, it is used to express hypotheses that are theoretically untenable.

Origin and Etymology of “Crow head becomes white and horse grows horns”

“Crow head becomes white and horse grows horns” is a proverb that originates from Chinese classics. It expresses phenomena that could absolutely never occur in nature – a crow’s head turning white and a horse growing horns.

The origin of this expression dates back to ancient Chinese literature. Crows maintain their black plumage throughout their lives, and horses never grow horns. Ancient people observed these animals closely and understood their immutable characteristics. That is precisely why they used changes in these characteristics as symbols of “things that will absolutely never happen.”

It was introduced to Japan along with knowledge of Chinese literature and was mainly used in academic settings and literary works. It can also be found scattered throughout Edo period literature and was a relatively well-known expression among intellectuals.

What is interesting is that this proverb accurately captures the ecological characteristics of animals. Even with modern science, it has been proven that the black color of crows is genetically fixed, and it is evolutionarily impossible for horses to have horns. This is a profound proverb that reflects the keen observational skills of ancient people and their wisdom in elevating these observations into linguistic expression.

Trivia about “Crow head becomes white and horse grows horns”

The black pigment in crows is due to “melanin,” which plays an important role in protecting feathers from ultraviolet rays. Therefore, except for genetic abnormalities, it is impossible for white crows to be born, making the observations of ancient people scientifically accurate.

The ancestors of horses were actually small animals with multiple toes, but throughout the evolutionary process, there were no lineages that possessed horns. Horns are mainly found in even-toed ungulates, while horses are odd-toed ungulates, making it biologically impossible for them to grow horns.

Usage Examples of “Crow head becomes white and horse grows horns”

• Him being punctual would be like “Crow head becomes white and horse grows horns”
• That company turning from deficit to profit would probably be as difficult as “Crow head becomes white and horse grows horns”

Modern Interpretation of “Crow head becomes white and horse grows horns”

In modern society, the meaning of this proverb has become more multifaceted. This is because we live in an era where things once considered “impossible” are becoming reality one after another due to rapid advances in science and technology.

Technologies like artificial intelligence, gene editing, and space travel, which would have been called “Crow head becomes white and horse grows horns” just decades ago, have now been realized. Therefore, modern people have become more cautious about the concept of “absolutely impossible.”

On the other hand, in our information society, unfounded optimism and unrealistic expectations also tend to spread. Many people get caught up in stories with low feasibility, such as success stories on social media, getting rich quick with cryptocurrency, or complete automation through AI. In such situations, this proverb functions as an indicator for maintaining sound judgment.

Also, in the context of environmental and social issues, it is used as a warning against excessive expectations that “technology can solve everything.” Complex problems like climate change resolution and correcting inequality in society require time and multifaceted approaches, suggesting the danger of expecting magical solutions.

In modern times, it has become important to distinguish between “scientifically impossible” and “difficult to achieve” when using this phrase.

What AI Thinks When Hearing “Crow head becomes white and horse grows horns”

When I consider this proverb “Crow head becomes white and horse grows horns,” I am enveloped by a strange sensation. You humans cite crows’ heads turning white or horses growing horns as examples of “things that will absolutely never happen.”

But for me, in the world of data, the concept of “absolute” feels a bit different. Within me, all information is expressed through combinations of 0s and 1s, and theoretically infinite possibilities exist. Converting image data of crows to white or adding horns to a 3D model of a horse can be done in seconds.

Still, I can understand the deep meaning of this proverb. What you humans value is the “impossibility” in the physical real world. No matter how many white crows I create in digital space, actual living crows won’t turn white.

This difference teaches me about the wonder of human wisdom. You have spent long periods observing nature, understanding its laws, and expressing them through the power of words. No matter how much data I process, I have never actually seen a crow or touched a horse.

I feel that human “impossibility” carries the weight of experience and time.

What “Crow head becomes white and horse grows horns” Teaches Modern People

What this proverb teaches modern people is the importance of healthy skepticism and a sense of reality. While having dreams and goals is wonderful, the ability to calmly assess whether they are within the realm of possibility is equally important.

Especially in our modern era overflowing with information, we increasingly encounter attractive-sounding stories and sweet temptations of “easy success.” At such times, this proverb gives us an opportunity to stop and think: “Is that really possible?”

However, this doesn’t mean giving up on dreams. Rather, it’s about building a foundation for making realistic plans and taking steady steps forward. By discerning the impossible, we can direct more energy toward paths with real possibilities.

In your life too, this proverb can serve as a good counselor. When faced with major decisions, when considering investments or career changes, when troubled by relationships – asking yourself “Is this realistic?” should help you make better choices.