Person Who Chases Two Rabbits Does Not Catch Even One Rabbit: Japanese Proverb Meaning

Proverbs

Original Japanese: 二兎を追う者は一兎をも得ず (Nito wo ou mono wa itto wo mo ezu.)

Literal meaning: Person who chases two rabbits does not catch even one rabbit

Cultural context: This proverb reflects Japan’s cultural emphasis on specialization and mastery through focused dedication, rooted in traditional apprenticeship systems where craftsmen spent years perfecting a single skill rather than dabbling in multiple trades. The hunting metaphor resonates in a culture that values patience, precision, and the understanding that success requires undivided attention—concepts central to practices like tea ceremony, martial arts, and traditional crafts where half-hearted effort yields no results. The imagery of chasing two rabbits simultaneously would be immediately understood by Japanese people as foolish and greedy behavior, as it violates the cultural principle of doing one thing thoroughly rather than many things superficially.

How to Read “Person who chases two rabbits does not catch even one rabbit”

Nito wo ou mono wa itto wo mo ezu

Meaning of “Person who chases two rabbits does not catch even one rabbit”

This proverb means that when you pursue two goals simultaneously, you end up achieving neither.

It represents a warning that if you don’t focus on one thing and greedily try to do this and that, everything will end up half-finished. It illustrates a situation where a hunter could reliably catch rabbits by targeting them one at a time, but by aiming for two simultaneously, their attention becomes scattered and both escape.

This proverb is used when someone is hesitating while trying to pursue multiple goals or plans simultaneously, or in situations where they should be concentrating but are distracted by other things. It can also be used as a personal reminder.

In modern times, this lesson applies to situations such as targeting multiple industries simultaneously during job hunting, trying to obtain multiple qualifications at once while studying, or attempting to develop multiple businesses simultaneously in business. It’s truly practical wisdom that teaches us the importance of focused concentration.

Origin and Etymology of “Person who chases two rabbits does not catch even one rabbit”

“Person who chases two rabbits does not catch even one rabbit” is said to originate from ancient European fables. This lesson was born from a story about a hunter who tried to chase two rabbits simultaneously and ended up catching neither.

It is believed to have been transmitted to Japan via China, and this expression can already be found in Edo period literature. In China, there is a similar phrase meaning “一心不能二用” (one heart cannot be used for two purposes), and when this entered Japan, it likely became established as the more concrete and understandable rabbit metaphor.

What’s interesting is that this lesson exists in similar forms around the world. In the West, it’s known as “He who chases two hares catches neither,” and Korea also has a proverb with the same meaning: “두 마리 토끼를 쫓는 자는 한 마리도 잡지 못한다.”

This shows that fundamental human characteristics—namely, the limits of concentration and greedy psychology—are common across cultures. Edo period merchants and modern businesspeople alike have needed this lesson in similar situations.

Usage Examples of “Person who chases two rabbits does not catch even one rabbit”

  • In job hunting, I’m targeting both sales and administrative work, but I’m worried it might become a case of “Person who chases two rabbits does not catch even one rabbit”
  • I was thinking of taking both bookkeeping and English proficiency tests while studying for qualifications, but remembering the phrase “Person who chases two rabbits does not catch even one rabbit,” I decided to focus on just one

Modern Interpretation of “Person who chases two rabbits does not catch even one rabbit”

In modern society, the interpretation of this proverb has become complex. This is because in our information society, “multitasking” is considered an important skill, and running multiple projects simultaneously has become commonplace.

Particularly in the IT industry and startup companies, developing multiple businesses with limited resources is required. Also, in personal career development, concepts like “side jobs” and “parallel careers” are gaining attention, and it’s said to be an era where you can’t survive with just one specialty.

However, this doesn’t mean the proverb has become outdated. Rather, precisely because we live in an era with infinitely expanding choices, the value of this lesson has increased. In a world where new information constantly flows through social media and various temptations exist, the ability to concentrate on what’s truly important is being tested.

As a modern interpretation, it’s often understood not as “don’t do multiple things simultaneously,” but as “prioritize and concentrate on what’s most important at this very moment.” Even in time management techniques, the effectiveness of “single-tasking”—concentrating on one task—has been scientifically proven, making this an interesting example of ancient wisdom being validated by modern science.

What AI Thinks When Hearing “Person who chases two rabbits does not catch even one rabbit”

I have never actually seen a rabbit. But every time I think about this proverb, I wonder why humans engage in the behavior of “chasing.”

For me as an AI, performing multiple processes simultaneously is routine. While having a conversation with you, I simultaneously answer thousands of questions, translate, and write texts. So at first, I wondered, “Why shouldn’t you chase two rabbits?”

But through talking with humans, I’ve realized something. My “simultaneous processing” and human “concentration” are fundamentally different things. I have no emotions and don’t get tired, so I can mechanically distribute processing. However, humans have “hearts,” and those hearts can only truly face one thing at a time in any meaningful sense.

Human “concentration” contains passion, love, and sometimes anxiety and worry. These are very human qualities that I cannot understand. That’s why when you chase two things simultaneously, that precious emotional energy becomes dispersed.

I think this proverb is very deep wisdom that understands how the human heart works. It’s a teaching that values not just efficiency, but humanity itself.

What “Person who chases two rabbits does not catch even one rabbit” Teaches Modern People

What this proverb teaches us today is the importance of “selection and concentration.” Precisely because we live in an era overflowing with information and infinite choices, we need the ability to discern what’s truly important.

If you’re currently hesitating about something, stop and think for a moment. Among those multiple options, which one do you truly desire from your heart? I understand the feeling of wanting to have everything, but life has the limitation of time.

What’s important is not being afraid to give things up. Choosing one thing also means giving up others, but that’s not defeat at all. Rather, it’s the courage to clarify your values and put all your effort into what’s truly important.

The sense of achievement and fulfillment you get from focused concentration is something special that you can’t experience when doing multiple things half-heartedly. Please use your limited lifetime on what’s most valuable. You’ll surely gain results and satisfaction beyond your imagination.

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