How to Read “鷹がいないと雀が王する”
Taka ga inai to suzume ga ō suru
Meaning of “鷹がいないと雀が王する”
This proverb means that in places where truly capable and strong individuals are absent, those who are normally insignificant and weak act arrogantly and wield power.
It expresses how sparrows, which would normally hide in the presence of mighty beings like hawks, get carried away and act like royalty when the hawk is absent. In other words, it’s a sarcastic expression about people who act superior despite lacking ability, or those who act arrogantly in environments where truly capable people are not present.
This proverb is used in situations where, in organizations or groups, when the real leaders or capable people are absent, those who are usually inconspicuous suddenly take on arrogant attitudes. It’s also used as criticism toward people who try to make themselves appear bigger than their actual abilities in environments without competition.
Even today, this expression fits perfectly in situations like when subordinates suddenly become arrogant while their boss is on a business trip, or when weak teams win tournaments that strong schools didn’t participate in and become conceited. Essentially, it’s a proverb that teaches us the importance of true ability and status.
Origin and Etymology
This proverb is thought to derive from Chinese classics. The original form is likely the Chinese proverb “山中無老虎、猴子称大王” (When there are no tigers in the mountains, monkeys call themselves kings), which was adapted during its transmission to Japan, replacing the animals with birds more familiar to Japanese people.
Hawks have long been feared as kings among birds of prey and natural enemies of small birds. Meanwhile, sparrows are familiar, small creatures that are usually inconspicuous. This contrast beautifully expresses the relationship between rulers and common people, the strong and the weak.
Since this expression appears in Edo period literature, we know it had become established in Japan at least several hundred years ago. In the society of that time with its strict class system, the meaning of this proverb may have been even more poignant than today.
What’s interesting is that Japanese people changed the Chinese “tiger and monkey” to “hawk and sparrow.” This represents an adaptation to an expression more suited to Japan’s natural environment and culture, and is evidence that proverbs have been passed down as living language. By using familiar birds, it became a more approachable and understandable expression.
Interesting Facts
Hawks are actually natural enemies that prey on sparrows, and sparrows have the instinct to hide just from hearing a hawk’s cry. This natural relationship enhances the persuasiveness of the proverb.
During the Edo period, falconry was an exclusive entertainment for shoguns and feudal lords. Therefore, “hawks” were also recognized as symbols of power, giving this proverb deeper meaning.
Usage Examples
- While the department manager is on an overseas business trip, the usually quiet section chief suddenly started acting arrogant – it’s truly “When hawk is not present sparrow rules”
- They won the tournament after all the strong teams withdrew and are getting carried away, but it’s just a case of “When hawk is not present sparrow rules”
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the meaning of this proverb has become more multi-layered. In the SNS era, phenomena where people who usually have no voice suddenly become aggressive or take authoritative attitudes using anonymity can be said to be exactly “When hawk is not present sparrow rules” situations.
With the spread of remote work, we also see cases where new employees or junior staff suddenly gain more voice in environments where supervisors or seniors are not physically present. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as it can also be an opportunity for new ideas to emerge without being bound by traditional authority structures.
On the other hand, in modern times where specialized knowledge is subdivided, situations where “hawks” are absent in specific fields occur frequently. In IT fields, it’s not uncommon for young engineers to have more ability than older management – a reversal phenomenon. In such cases, the traditional “sparrows” might actually be the truly capable ones.
Globalization has also created regional “absence of hawks.” In overseas expansion, situations where local staff demonstrate independent judgment in places where headquarters authority doesn’t reach are increasing.
Thus in modern times, the situations this proverb describes are not necessarily negative, and are often reevaluated from perspectives of diversity and equal opportunity. It also provides an opportunity to reconsider what true ability and authority really are.
When AI Hears This
According to ecology’s “competitive exclusion principle,” species competing for the same resources cannot coexist—the dominant species will inevitably exclude the subordinate ones. However, when a top predator disappears, previously suppressed lower species rapidly increase their populations and occupy the vacant ecological niche, creating what’s called an “ecological cascade.”
This actually happened in Yellowstone National Park, where after wolves (the hawks) went extinct, deer populations (the sparrows) exploded and even transformed the vegetation. This same phenomenon occurs in human society. In organizations where powerful leaders depart, middle managers who previously had no voice suddenly gain decision-making authority and often transform the entire organizational culture.
What’s fascinating is that this change isn’t merely a “temporary rise of the weak,” but rather a “transition to a new equilibrium state.” Research by ecologist Robert Paine showed that removing keystone species temporarily increases biodiversity, but eventually new dominant species emerge and the system stabilizes.
In other words, the sparrow’s “reign” isn’t a product of chance, but rather an expression of the ecosystem’s self-organizing capacity. Power vacuums are always filled, and in that process, unexpected forces rise to prominence—this is truly a universal law of nature.
Lessons for Today
This proverb makes us modern people think about “what true ability really is.” It teaches the importance of acquiring essential strength without being misled by superficial authority or temporary advantages.
At the same time, it shows the importance of humility when opportunities arise. Even if you succeed in situations without competition, it’s necessary to not become arrogant and maintain an attitude of continuous self-improvement. Conversely, people who are usually in inconspicuous positions should not neglect preparation for chances that may come someday.
In modern society, everyone has the potential to become a “hawk” in some field. What’s important is accurately understanding your own abilities and not forgetting respect for others. Also, even when others appear to be “sparrows ruling,” we need the tolerance to try to understand the effort and circumstances behind that.
This proverb should be kept in mind not just as words of criticism, but as a warning to ourselves. True strength is consistent ability and character that doesn’t change whether opponents are present or not.
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