How to Read “男は敷居を跨げば七人の敵あり”
otoko wa shikii wo matage ba shichinin no teki ari
Meaning of “男は敷居を跨げば七人の敵あり”
This proverb means that when a man steps outside his home, there will always be adversaries or competitors waiting for him.
This expresses the harshness of men’s social position, teaching that once they leave the safe haven of home and enter society, they will face various difficulties and conflicts such as workplace competitors, those with conflicting interests, and people with opposing opinions. The number “seven” is not a specific count but is used to mean “many,” indicating that numerous challenges and trials await in society.
This proverb is mainly used when teaching men about the mindset needed when entering society, or when teaching about the harshness of the world. It is particularly often used for young men to teach them the reality of society and encourage them to be prepared. Even today, it is used as encouragement or warning for men entering new environments such as employment, job changes, or starting their own business. It has been passed down as a life lesson conveying that living in society requires constant vigilance and the resolve to face various difficulties.
Origin and Etymology
The origin of this proverb is thought to date back to the Edo period. In the samurai society of that time, the threshold of a house was not merely a building boundary, but an important border separating the sanctuary where family safety was guaranteed from the dangerous outside world.
The expression “crossing the threshold” meant stepping outside the house. For men in the Edo period, especially samurai, the outside of the house was literally a place where their lives could be in danger. Various adversarial relationships existed daily, such as conflicts between sword-carrying samurai, business competitors, and political opposition.
The number “seven enemies” does not indicate a specific count. Since ancient times in Japan, the number “seven” has been used symbolically to represent “many” or “completeness.” The Seven Lucky Gods, the seven seas, “fall down seven times, get up eight” – “seven” became established as an idiomatic expression representing large numbers.
The background to this proverb’s creation lies in the harsh reality of an era when men had to work outside to support their families and bear social responsibilities. Once they stepped outside the house, competitors and stakeholders awaited them, and they had to act with constant vigilance. This proverb succinctly expresses the harsh social environment in which men found themselves.
Usage Examples
- When his son graduated from university and got a job, the father sent him off saying “Man crosses threshold then seven people of enemies exist”
- To a friend who decided to start his own business, he said “Man crosses threshold then seven people of enemies exist, so be careful”
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, this proverb requires new interpretation. First, let’s consider the part that says “man.” In contemporary times, women also play active roles in society just like men, and it has become normal for them to face competition and conflict. Therefore, the lesson of this proverb has come to be understood as universal content that applies to all working people regardless of gender.
With the advent of the information society, the concept of “enemies” has also changed significantly. Rather than physical confrontation, information strategy and intellectual competition have become mainstream, and new forms of “enemies” have emerged, such as the risk of social media backlash and reputation management. Additionally, with globalization, competitors have expanded to a global scale, and it could be said that we are literally in a situation of “far more than seven people.”
On the other hand, with modern work style reforms and emphasis on work-life balance, an increasing number of people question the values of this proverb. There is also debate about whether constantly living in a state of tension while being conscious of enemies is truly healthy. In modern business environments where cooperation and teamwork are valued, building relationships as “partners” rather than “enemies” is often considered more important.
However, as long as we live in a competitive society, the essential lesson of this proverb will never fade. However, in modern times, it is more often interpreted positively as “preparing to face difficulties” rather than “preparing for enemies.”
When AI Hears This
In the remote work era, “crossing thresholds” has shifted from physical movement to participation in virtual spaces. Clicking to join a Zoom meeting, posting in a Slack channel, commenting on LinkedIn—all of these represent modern versions of “threshold crossing.”
What’s fascinating is that the elimination of physical constraints has caused the number of potential adversaries to increase exponentially. In the Edo period, the number of people one could encounter in a day was limited, but today we can simultaneously interact with 50 people in a single online meeting or thousands through a social media post. Research from MIT shows that the rate of misunderstandings in online communication is approximately three times higher than face-to-face communication. Because facial expressions and vocal tones don’t translate well digitally, minor comments can easily become the spark for major conflicts.
Even more troubling is the presence of “invisible enemies.” In remote meetings, there are participants with cameras off; on social media, anonymous accounts lurk; in workplace chats, colleagues who read but don’t respond—it becomes difficult to distinguish who’s an ally and who’s an adversary. Since digital footprints remain permanently, past statements can unexpectedly become ammunition for creating new “enemies.”
Ironically, while the cost of physical movement has dropped to zero, modern people find themselves forced to cross far more “thresholds” than Edo-period men ever did. For contemporary individuals who navigate dozens of virtual spaces daily, the reality is that seven enemies simply won’t cut it anymore.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches us today is the reality that difficulties and challenges inevitably await in life, and the importance of having the resolve to face them. However, in modern interpretation, it’s important to view “enemies” not as something to fear, but as opportunities for growth.
When jumping into new environments – job changes, starting a business, moving – anxiety always accompanies life’s turning points. But that anxiety itself is proof that you’re heading toward a new stage. Rather than fearing difficulties, try looking forward to the growth that lies beyond overcoming them.
In modern society, you don’t need to fight alone. You can face difficulties while receiving support from colleagues, mentors, and family. If there are “seven enemies,” it’s also possible to make “seven allies.”
What’s important is not staying in a safe place forever, but sometimes having the courage to step into a new world. The difficulties and competitors you meet there will become valuable presences that strengthen you and guide you to a richer life.
Comments