How to Read “烏頭白くして馬角を生ず”
Utō shiroku shite uma tsuno wo shōzu
Meaning of “烏頭白くして馬角を生ず”
This proverb is used to express “something that will absolutely never happen” or “something impossible.”
By citing phenomena that go against the laws of nature, it emphasizes how unrealistic a particular situation or event is. It is used when the possibility of someone’s claims, promises, or expectations coming true is virtually nonexistent. It is also used to express one’s own determination or firmness of will, sometimes employed with the strong negative meaning of “I will absolutely never do ~ until such a thing happens.”
In modern times, it is used to refer to things that are scientifically impossible or events that greatly deviate from social common sense. In business settings, it is utilized to euphemistically reject unfeasible plans or proposals, and in academic contexts, it is used to express hypotheses that are theoretically untenable.
Origin and Etymology
“Crow head becomes white and horse grows horns” is a proverb that originates from Chinese classics. It expresses phenomena that could absolutely never occur in nature – a crow’s head turning white and a horse growing horns.
The origin of this expression dates back to ancient Chinese literature. Crows maintain their black plumage throughout their lives, and horses never grow horns. Ancient people observed these animals closely and understood their immutable characteristics. That is precisely why they used changes in these characteristics as symbols of “things that will absolutely never happen.”
It was introduced to Japan along with knowledge of Chinese literature and was mainly used in academic settings and literary works. It can also be found scattered throughout Edo period literature and was a relatively well-known expression among intellectuals.
What is interesting is that this proverb accurately captures the ecological characteristics of animals. Even with modern science, it has been proven that the black color of crows is genetically fixed, and it is evolutionarily impossible for horses to have horns. This is a profound proverb that reflects the keen observational skills of ancient people and their wisdom in elevating these observations into linguistic expression.
Interesting Facts
The black pigment in crows is due to “melanin,” which plays an important role in protecting feathers from ultraviolet rays. Therefore, except for genetic abnormalities, it is impossible for white crows to be born, making the observations of ancient people scientifically accurate.
The ancestors of horses were actually small animals with multiple toes, but throughout the evolutionary process, there were no lineages that possessed horns. Horns are mainly found in even-toed ungulates, while horses are odd-toed ungulates, making it biologically impossible for them to grow horns.
Usage Examples
- Him being punctual would be like “Crow head becomes white and horse grows horns”
- That company turning from deficit to profit would probably be as difficult as “Crow head becomes white and horse grows horns”
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the meaning of this proverb has become more multifaceted. This is because we live in an era where things once considered “impossible” are becoming reality one after another due to rapid advances in science and technology.
Technologies like artificial intelligence, gene editing, and space travel, which would have been called “Crow head becomes white and horse grows horns” just decades ago, have now been realized. Therefore, modern people have become more cautious about the concept of “absolutely impossible.”
On the other hand, in our information society, unfounded optimism and unrealistic expectations also tend to spread. Many people get caught up in stories with low feasibility, such as success stories on social media, getting rich quick with cryptocurrency, or complete automation through AI. In such situations, this proverb functions as an indicator for maintaining sound judgment.
Also, in the context of environmental and social issues, it is used as a warning against excessive expectations that “technology can solve everything.” Complex problems like climate change resolution and correcting inequality in society require time and multifaceted approaches, suggesting the danger of expecting magical solutions.
In modern times, it has become important to distinguish between “scientifically impossible” and “difficult to achieve” when using this phrase.
When AI Hears This
Comparing “When crows turn white and horses grow horns” with the Western expression “When pigs fly” reveals striking differences in Eastern and Western worldviews. The Western phrase focuses on the action of “flying,” depicting a challenge to the physical law of gravity. In contrast, the Eastern expression emphasizes changes like “color transformation” and “growing horns,” addressing the fundamental alteration of biological attributes.
This difference shows that Western culture views “challenging natural laws” as the symbol of impossibility, while Eastern culture emphasizes “the reversal of order.” In the West, breaking God’s physical laws represents ultimate impossibility, but in the East, disrupting natural harmony based on yin-yang and five-element philosophy constitutes true abnormality.
Even more fascinating is how each culture perceives time. “Pigs flying” suggests an instantaneous event, while “crows turning white and horses growing horns” assumes a long-term process of change. This reflects Western emphasis on “instantaneous miracles” versus Eastern focus on “gradual transformation.”
The choice of animals is equally symbolic. The West selects domesticated pigs, emphasizing the relationship with humans, while the East combines wild crows with domesticated horses, encompassing the order of the entire natural world. These expressions aren’t mere wordplay—they reveal profound differences in how each culture fundamentally perceives the world.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches modern people is the importance of healthy skepticism and a sense of reality. While having dreams and goals is wonderful, the ability to calmly assess whether they are within the realm of possibility is equally important.
Especially in our modern era overflowing with information, we increasingly encounter attractive-sounding stories and sweet temptations of “easy success.” At such times, this proverb gives us an opportunity to stop and think: “Is that really possible?”
However, this doesn’t mean giving up on dreams. Rather, it’s about building a foundation for making realistic plans and taking steady steps forward. By discerning the impossible, we can direct more energy toward paths with real possibilities.
In your life too, this proverb can serve as a good counselor. When faced with major decisions, when considering investments or career changes, when troubled by relationships – asking yourself “Is this realistic?” should help you make better choices.
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