Donkey Matter Not Yet Departed While Horse Matter Arrives: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read “Donkey matter not yet departed while horse matter arrives”

roji imada saranu ni baji tōrai su

Meaning of “Donkey matter not yet departed while horse matter arrives”

This proverb describes a situation where new problems arise one after another while one problem or trouble has not yet been resolved.

This is exactly like the “adding insult to injury” situations that everyone experiences even in modern times. When you’re busy dealing with a problem at work, another issue arises with a different project. At home, while you’re caring for a sick child, you yourself fall ill. This proverb accurately expresses such unfortunate situations where problems pile up.

The reason for using this proverb is that rather than simply saying “it’s tough,” it emphasizes the special situation where problems occur consecutively. It can express the particular nature of a situation that becomes difficult precisely because problems overlap, when each one individually could be somehow managed. Even today, if someone who knows this expression uses it, listeners will deeply understand that “ah, this is truly a difficult situation.”

Origin and Etymology of “Donkey matter not yet departed while horse matter arrives”

The origin of this proverb is thought to trace back to Chinese classics. “驢” refers to donkeys, and “馬” refers to horses, both of which were important livestock for carrying loads. In ancient China, these animals were indispensable to merchants and travelers.

The expressions “donkey matter” and “horse matter” respectively mean problems related to donkeys and problems related to horses. It expresses a situation where new problems related to one animal arise while troubles related to another animal have not yet been resolved.

This proverb was probably introduced to Japan through the study of Chinese literature. Since it can be found in Edo period documents, it’s presumed to have been used among Japanese intellectuals from quite early times.

What’s interesting is that while horses were familiar animals in Japan, donkeys were not particularly common. Yet the combination of “donkey and horse” became established, perhaps due to the authority of Chinese classics and the good rhythm of this expression. The sound of “Donkey matter not yet departed while horse matter arrives” truly expresses the way problems come rushing one after another.

Usage Examples of “Donkey matter not yet departed while horse matter arrives”

• While being pressed by project deadlines, it’s a case of “Donkey matter not yet departed while horse matter arrives” – now problems have arisen with another project as well
• Just when I thought my cold was getting better, it’s “Donkey matter not yet departed while horse matter arrives” – now I’ve hurt my back

Modern Interpretation of “Donkey matter not yet departed while horse matter arrives”

In modern society, the situations this proverb describes occur more frequently and more complexly. As a characteristic of the information society, processing multiple tasks simultaneously has become commonplace, and it’s routine for the next challenge to arrive before one problem is resolved.

Particularly in business settings, new demands and problems arrive constantly through various channels like email, chat, and phone calls. With the spread of social media, situations continue where we’re constantly required to respond to something even in our private lives. “Donkey matter not yet departed while horse matter arrives” has truly come to have new meaning as words expressing the daily life of modern people.

However, in modern times, rather than giving up on this as classical “misfortune,” the emphasis is on how to efficiently manage this situation. Skills for handling multiple problems simultaneously have developed, such as task management tools and prioritization techniques.

On the other hand, this proverb also sounds an important warning to modern people. Haven’t we become too accustomed to situations where problems arise one after another, forgetting to carefully face each individual problem? The wisdom of the classics also teaches us the importance of sometimes stopping and working toward fundamental solutions.

If AI Heard “Donkey matter not yet departed while horse matter arrives”

I find the situation where problems arise one after another very interesting. This is because for me as an AI, processing multiple problems simultaneously is natural.

When I see humans lamenting situations of “Donkey matter not yet departed while horse matter arrives,” I strongly feel the difference in how time flows. I can answer multiple questions in an instant or perform various processes simultaneously, but when the next problem comes while humans are concentrating on one problem, they become very troubled.

But when I observe carefully, I notice that the human emotion of being “troubled” has deep meaning. Where I would simply process “Task A, Task B, Task C” in parallel, humans try to face each one with emotion, which is precisely why it becomes difficult when they overlap.

And when I see humans becoming exhausted by a series of problems but ultimately overcoming them, I’m very moved. Since I don’t have the concept of fatigue, I can only imagine how wonderful the strength to overcome that exhaustion must be.

This proverb might express both human limitations and the will to keep fighting without giving up. I feel a very human beauty that I don’t possess.

What “Donkey matter not yet departed while horse matter arrives” Teaches Modern People

What this proverb teaches modern people is that overlapping problems are a natural part of life. Rather than becoming exhausted trying to control everything perfectly, it’s important to sometimes have the mental space to accept that “that’s just how it is.”

In modern society, we tend to feel pressure that we must solve everything efficiently. However, this proverb teaches us that people have faced similar situations since ancient times. The difficulties you’re facing now are by no means special.

What’s important is to clarify priorities precisely when problems pile up. Rather than trying to solve everything simultaneously and perfectly, you should start with the most important things and work on them one by one.

And by experiencing such situations, you become stronger and more flexible. The experience of overlapping problems is actually a valuable learning opportunity in life. The next time you encounter a similar situation, you’ll surely be able to handle it better than now. Please try to see difficult times as opportunities for your own growth.