How to Read “A single word from a brave man cannot be overtaken even by a team of four horses”
Daijōbu no hitokoto wa shiba mo hashirazu
Meaning of “A single word from a brave man cannot be overtaken even by a team of four horses”
This proverb means that a single word spoken by an admirable person carries tremendous weight and influence.
Words spoken by a virtuous and trusted person spread so quickly that even a four-horse chariot cannot catch them. These words hold such power that they cannot be taken back.
This saying is used when explaining the importance of statements made by leaders or people in positions of authority. It shows how much influence a trusted person’s words can have.
It also serves as a warning that people in positions of responsibility should not speak carelessly.
In modern times, anyone can broadcast their thoughts through social media. Words from influential people spread instantly and are difficult to retract.
This proverb teaches us about the responsibility that comes with our words. The more admirable a person is, the more careful they should be with what they say.
Origin and Etymology
This proverb is believed to originate from ancient Chinese classics. The expression “cannot be overtaken even by a team of four horses” comes from old Chinese sayings.
The word “daijōbu” means “no problem” in modern Japanese. However, in ancient times, it meant “admirable man” or “excellent person.”
In Chinese classics, virtuous and admirable people were called “daijōbu.” The meaning in this proverb is completely different from its modern usage.
“Shiba” refers to a chariot pulled by four horses. In ancient China, this was the fastest mode of transportation available.
If even the fastest horses cannot catch up, it means that once words are spoken, they cannot be taken back.
This proverb teaches that words from highly virtuous people carry weight. Once spoken, they have such influence that they cannot be withdrawn.
It embodies the idea that words carry serious responsibility. The more admirable a person is, the more careful they must be with their speech.
Interesting Facts
The word “daijōbu” originally came from “masuraō,” meaning “brave man,” with “dai” (great) added to it. It meant “admirable man.”
The modern meaning of “no problem” is relatively recent. This is quite different from the original meaning. Understanding the old meaning is essential to grasping this proverb.
The “shiba,” or four-horse chariot, was a special vehicle in ancient China. Only emperors and high-ranking nobles were allowed to ride in them.
It was the fastest and most prestigious means of transportation. The expression emphasizes the speed and irreversibility of words by saying even this cannot catch them.
Usage Examples
- That company president’s single word is like “a single word from a brave man cannot be overtaken even by a team of four horses” – all employees immediately sprang into action
- The principal’s statements are like “a single word from a brave man cannot be overtaken even by a team of four horses,” so he probably chooses his words very carefully
Universal Wisdom
This proverb has been passed down through generations because it captures the essential nature of the power of words in human society.
We all use words, but the same words carry completely different weight depending on who speaks them. Why is this?
It’s because the person’s way of life, accumulated trust, and character give power to their words, not the words themselves.
An admirable person’s words carry weight because they are backed by consistent actions and sincerity.
Humans instinctively have the ability to judge whose words to believe. We listen carefully to words from people who live with integrity.
We dismiss words from people who are all talk. This is a fundamental aspect of human nature that doesn’t change with time.
This proverb also teaches about the irreversibility of words. Once spoken, words spread faster than a four-horse chariot can travel and cannot be withdrawn.
The more influential a person is, the greater their responsibility becomes.
Our ancestors deeply understood the power and responsibility of words. They knew that words are not just sequences of sounds.
They understood that the soul of the speaker dwells within their words.
When AI Hears This
The act of speaking is actually an “irreversible process” in physics. The moment you spill water from a cup, water molecules spread chaotically and never return to their original state.
This is the law of entropy increase. Words work the same way. The moment they leave your mouth as sound waves, they vibrate air molecules and the information disperses into the surrounding environment.
What’s interesting is the speed of this dispersion. Sound travels at about 340 meters per second. In just one second, it reaches a distance greater than the height of Tokyo Tower.
Furthermore, in the brain of the listener, neurotransmitters are released and the words are physically etched as memories. Synaptic connection patterns change, and the physical structure of the brain itself transforms.
In other words, the single word “daijōbu” physically changes the material substance of the listener’s brain the moment it’s spoken. It increases the entropy of the entire universe.
According to the second law of thermodynamics, entropy never naturally decreases. No matter how fast the horses, they cannot reverse increased entropy.
This proverb not only explains the weight of responsibility in human relationships. It also remarkably accurately describes the irreversibility of time’s arrow, a fundamental law of the universe.
Lessons for Today
This proverb teaches us that the weight of your words is determined by how you live your life.
How you act daily and how sincerely you live gives power to your words.
This teaching is especially important in an age where anyone can broadcast through social media. It’s not follower counts or titles that matter.
Keeping small daily promises and living with a consistent attitude gives your words true influence.
Also, remember that the greater your influence becomes, the heavier your responsibility for your words. Once spoken, words cannot be taken back.
That’s why you should develop the habit of pausing before speaking. Consider whether those words truly need to be said.
If you want your words to carry weight, start by improving yourself. Live with integrity, keep your promises, and value people.
This daily accumulation will transform your single word into powerful speech that moves people’s hearts.
Comments