How to Read “がったり三両”
Gattari sanryō
Meaning of “がったり三両”
“All-at-Once Three Ryo” is a proverb that teaches the value of not getting caught up in small matters, but instead obtaining substantial results all at once.
It expresses the meaning that rather than accumulating small profits, it is more efficient and valuable to take bold risks and achieve substantial results in one go. This proverb teaches us the importance of concentrating and accomplishing things decisively, rather than taking a half-hearted approach.
It is used in situations where one recommends not being satisfied with small achievements in business, study, or human relationships, but instead concentrating efforts toward bigger goals. It is also used to suggest that focusing on one point rather than dispersing time and effort will ultimately yield greater results. This is why this expression is still used today to express the importance of efficiency and concentration.
Origin and Etymology
The origin of “All-at-Once Three Ryo” is thought to be related to commercial customs of the Edo period. The word “gattari” was merchant terminology from the Edo period meaning “all at once” or “in a lump sum.”
During the Edo period, merchants preferred selling and buying large quantities of goods all at once rather than making small transactions. This was because it saved effort and ensured more reliable profits. “Three ryo” was quite a substantial amount of money at the time, equivalent to a craftsman’s monthly salary.
The background to this proverb’s creation lies in Edo merchant culture. The merchants of that time valued efficient business with a “time is money” mentality. It was considered wiser to obtain substantial profits all at once rather than accumulating small change.
The onomatopoeia-like sound of “gattari” also expresses the lightness characteristic of Edo natives. It truly captures the exhilarating feeling of accomplishing something all at once. This proverb can be said to be a crystallization of the practical wisdom and efficiency-focused values of Edo period merchants.
Interesting Facts
“Three ryo” in the Edo period was equivalent to about 300,000 yen in today’s value, matching the monthly salary of craftsmen and shop employees of that time. You can see how attractive it was to obtain this “gattari” all at once.
The word “gattari” was actually a type of industry jargon used by Edo period merchants, beloved as a dynamic expression similar to today’s “with a bang” or “in one fell swoop.”
Usage Examples
- Instead of only taking on small projects, let’s challenge ourselves with a big “All-at-Once Three Ryo” type project
- Rather than saving a little each day, it seems more interesting to go for an “All-at-Once Three Ryo” approach and invest the entire bonus
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the concept of “All-at-Once Three Ryo” has taken on more complex meanings. This is because in our information society, the value of small accumulations is also being reevaluated.
In areas like social media posting, blogging, and skill development through learning, modern “steady progress” success patterns are gaining attention. We see many examples where daily small posts lead to large follower counts, or continuous learning enhances expertise. This represents a value system contrasting with the Edo period’s “All-at-Once Three Ryo.”
However, “All-at-Once Three Ryo”-type phenomena still exist in modern times, such as the rapid growth of startup companies or overnight success through viral videos. Particularly in the technology industry, examples of gaining enormous wealth through a single innovative idea are endless.
In the investment world, while risk management through diversified investment is mainstream, concentrated investment strategies aiming for large returns remain persistently popular. Modern people may be constantly living while balancing between “stable accumulation” and “all-or-nothing big gambles.”
When AI Hears This
Three *ryō* in the Edo period was equivalent to about 300,000 yen in today’s value—a substantial sum of money. Considering that craftsmen of the time earned between two to three *ryō* per month, losing three *ryō* would have had the same devastating impact as losing an entire month’s salary today.
What’s particularly striking is how financially vulnerable ordinary Edo citizens were. Many townspeople were said to “never keep money overnight,” but this wasn’t so much about being carefree spenders as it was about genuinely having no room for savings. Day laborers earned about 200 *mon* (roughly 2,000 yen) per day, while a *shō* of rice cost around 100 *mon*. Against this price structure, three *ryō* (12,000 *mon*) represented a staggering 60 days’ worth of labor.
Even more fascinating is how the borrowing system worked back then. When townspeople faced unexpected expenses, they turned to pawnshops or rotating credit associations. But a loss of three *ryō* was so severe that even pawning kimono and household goods wouldn’t cover it—people would have to swallow their pride and beg relatives and acquaintances for help.
In other words, “losing three *ryō* in a flash” wasn’t the “minor setback” modern people might imagine, but rather a “life-altering crisis” that could threaten a family’s livelihood for months. This proverb captures the very real terror that Edo commoners felt about how a single moment of carelessness could lead to complete financial ruin.
Lessons for Today
What “All-at-Once Three Ryo” teaches modern people is that life requires periods of “concentration.” Aren’t you also losing sight of what’s truly important while being chased by small tasks in your daily busyness?
This proverb teaches us the importance of sometimes having the courage to concentrate on big challenges. In important life situations like changing jobs, starting a business, acquiring new skills, or building relationships, the spirit of “All-at-Once Three Ryo” is necessary.
In modern society, information overflows and there are countless choices. That’s precisely why we need the judgment to concentrate on what’s truly valuable. Don’t be satisfied with small achievements; have the courage to believe in your potential and aim for big goals.
Of course, you don’t need to solve everything with “All-at-Once Three Ryo.” What’s important is whether you can demonstrate concentration and decisiveness in life’s crucial moments. Your “All-at-Once Three Ryo” moment will surely become a turning point that greatly changes your life.
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