What Does This Sentence Mean? 脱兎にも脱兎なり
Introduction
In the world of Japanese literature and culture, there exist many idiomatic expressions that can be difficult to understand for non-native speakers. One such expression is "脱兎にも脱兎なり" (Totto ni mo Totto nari), which is a phrase that has been used to convey a particular sentiment or idea. In this article, we will delve into the meaning of this sentence and explore its context and usage.
The Meaning of 脱兎にも脱兎なり
The phrase "脱兎にも脱兎なり" is a Japanese idiom that roughly translates to "it's the same old thing" or "it's no different." However, the literal translation of the phrase is "even a rabbit can escape from a rabbit." This phrase is often used to convey the idea that something is not new or different, but rather a repetition of something that has been seen before.
Context and Usage
The phrase "脱兎にも脱兎なり" is often used in situations where someone is trying to make a point or argue a particular perspective, but their argument is not convincing or original. In the context of the provided dialogue, the character is discussing a person who is a coward and gets bossed around. The character is saying that they themselves were once in a position where they were "見逃してしまう" (mi-nakushite shimau), or "missed the point," and that they had a particular perspective on the situation, but it was not convincing.
Breaking Down the Phrase
To better understand the meaning of "脱兎にも脱兎なり," let's break down the phrase into its individual components. The word "脱兎" (totto) means "to escape" or "to flee," and the word "兎" (nyū) means "rabbit." The phrase "脱兎にも脱兎なり" is a play on words, where the word "兎" is used twice to create a sense of repetition and similarity.
Similar Idioms and Expressions
There are several other Japanese idioms and expressions that convey similar meanings to "脱兎にも脱兎なり." Some examples include:
- 同じ事 (onaji koto): This phrase means "the same thing" or "the same situation."
- 同じ事を繰り返す (onaji koto o kurikaesu): This phrase means "to repeat the same thing" or "to do the same thing over and over again."
- 同じ事を繰り返すこと (onaji koto o kurikaesu koto): This phrase means "the act of repeating the same thing" or "the habit of doing the same thing over and over again."
Conclusion
In conclusion, the phrase "脱兎にも脱兎なり" is a Japanese idiom that roughly translates to "it's the same old thing" or "it's no different." The phrase is often used to convey the idea that something is not new or different, but rather a repetition of something that has been seen before. By understanding the meaning and context of this phrase, we can better the nuances of Japanese language and culture.
Additional Examples
Here are a few more examples of how the phrase "脱兎にも脱兎なり" might be used in different contexts:
- A: "この映画はすごいよ!" (Kono eiga wa sugoi yo!) "This movie is great!"
- B: "でも、同じ映画を何度も見るのは、脱兎にも脱兎なりだね。" (Demo, onaji eiga o nan do mo mieru no wa, totto ni mo totto nari da ne.) "But watching the same movie over and over again is just the same old thing, isn't it?"
- A: "この料理はすごいよ!" (Kono ryōri wa sugoi yo!) "This dish is great!"
- B: "でも、同じ料理を何度も作るのは、脱兎にも脱兎なりだね。" (Demo, onaji ryōri o nan do mo tsukuru no wa, totto ni mo totto nari da ne.) "But making the same dish over and over again is just the same old thing, isn't it?"
Discussion Questions
- What does the phrase "脱兎にも脱兎なり" mean in the context of the provided dialogue?
- How is the phrase used in different contexts?
- What are some other Japanese idioms and expressions that convey similar meanings to "脱兎にも脱兎なり"?
Answer Key
- The phrase "脱兎にも脱兎なり" means "it's the same old thing" or "it's no different" in the context of the provided dialogue.
- The phrase is used in different contexts to convey the idea that something is not new or different, but rather a repetition of something that has been seen before.
- Some other Japanese idioms and expressions that convey similar meanings to "脱兎にも脱兎なり" include "同じ事 (onaji koto)," "同じ事を繰り返す (onaji koto o kurikaesu)," and "同じ事を繰り返すこと (onaji koto o kurikaesu koto)."
Q&A: What does this sentence mean? 脱兎にも脱兎なり =====================================================
Q: What does the phrase "脱兎にも脱兎なり" mean?
A: The phrase "脱兎にも脱兎なり" is a Japanese idiom that roughly translates to "it's the same old thing" or "it's no different." The phrase is often used to convey the idea that something is not new or different, but rather a repetition of something that has been seen before.
Q: Can you give an example of how the phrase "脱兎にも脱兎なり" is used in a sentence?
A: Here is an example:
- A: "この映画はすごいよ!" (Kono eiga wa sugoi yo!) "This movie is great!"
- B: "でも、同じ映画を何度も見るのは、脱兎にも脱兎なりだね。" (Demo, onaji eiga o nan do mo mieru no wa, totto ni mo totto nari da ne.) "But watching the same movie over and over again is just the same old thing, isn't it?"
Q: What is the origin of the phrase "脱兎にも脱兎なり"?
A: The origin of the phrase "脱兎にも脱兎なり" is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the Edo period (1603-1867) in Japan. The phrase is thought to have been used to describe a situation where someone is trying to escape from a situation, but is ultimately unable to do so.
Q: Are there any other Japanese idioms that convey similar meanings to "脱兎にも脱兎なり"?
A: Yes, there are several other Japanese idioms that convey similar meanings to "脱兎にも脱兎なり." Some examples include:
- 同じ事 (onaji koto): This phrase means "the same thing" or "the same situation."
- 同じ事を繰り返す (onaji koto o kurikaesu): This phrase means "to repeat the same thing" or "to do the same thing over and over again."
- 同じ事を繰り返すこと (onaji koto o kurikaesu koto): This phrase means "the act of repeating the same thing" or "the habit of doing the same thing over and over again."
Q: Can you explain the difference between "脱兎にも脱兎なり" and "同じ事 (onaji koto)"?
A: While both phrases convey the idea that something is not new or different, "脱兎にも脱兎なり" implies a sense of repetition or routine, whereas "同じ事 (onaji koto)" simply means "the same thing" or "the same situation."
Q: How can I use the phrase "脱兎にも脱兎なり" in a conversation?
A: Here are a few examples of how you might use the phrase "脱兎にも脱兎なり" in a conversation:
- A: "この映画はすごいよ!" (Kono eiga wa sugoi yo!) "This movie is great!"
- B: "でも、同じ映画を何度も見るのは、脱兎にも脱兎なりだね。" (Demo, onaji eiga o nan do mo mieru no wa, totto ni mo totto nari da ne.) "But watching the same movie over and over again is just the same old thing, isn't it?"
- A: "この料理はすごいよ!" (Kono ryōri wa sugoi yo!) "This dish is great!"
- B: "でも、同じ料理を何度も作るのは、脱兎にも脱兎なりだね。" (Demo, onaji ryōri o nan do mo tsukuru no wa, totto ni mo totto nari da ne.) "But making the same dish over and over again is just the same old thing, isn't it?"
Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when using the phrase "脱兎にも脱兎なり"?
A: Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when using the phrase "脱兎にも脱兎なり":
- Using the phrase in a situation where it is not applicable: The phrase "脱兎にも脱兎なり" is best used in situations where something is being repeated or done over and over again. If you use the phrase in a situation where it is not applicable, it may come across as insincere or unhelpful.
- Using the phrase in a way that is too casual or informal: The phrase "脱兎にも脱兎なり" is a fairly formal phrase, and it is best used in formal or semi-formal situations. If you use the phrase in a way that is too casual or informal, it may come across as unprofessional or immature.
Q: Can you provide more examples of how the phrase "脱兎にも脱兎なり" is used in different contexts?
A: Here are a few more examples of how the phrase "脱兎にも脱兎なり" is used in different contexts:
- A: "この本はすごいよ!" (Kono hon wa sugoi yo!) "This book is great!"
- B: "でも、同じ本を何度も読むのは、脱兎にも脱兎なりだね。" (Demo, onaji hon o nan do mo yomu no wa, totto ni mo totto nari da ne.) "But reading the same book over and over again is just the same old thing, isn't it?"
- A: "この旅行はすごいよ!" (Kono ryokō wa sugoi yo!) "This trip is great!"
- B: "でも、同じ旅行を何度も行うのは、脱兎にも脱兎なりだね。" (Demo, onaji ryokō o nan do mo iku no wa, totto ni mo totto nari da ne.) "But taking the same trip over and over again is just the same old thing, isn't it?"
Q: Can you explain the difference between "脱兎にも脱兎なり" and "同じ事を繰り返す (onaji koto o kurikaesu)"?
A: While both phrases convey the idea that something is being repeated or done over and over again, "脱兎にも脱兎なり" implies a sense of routine or habit, whereas "同じ事を繰り返す (onaji koto o kurikaesu)" simply means "to repeat the same thing" or "to do the same thing over and over again."