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Proverb / Kotowaza

朝駆けの駄賃

ReadingあさがけのだちんRomajiasagake no dachin

Starting early or taking proactive action leads to extra benefits and advantages.

The reward of an early morning horse-trip

Quick Answer

Starting early or taking proactive action leads to extra benefits and advantages.

Literal Image
The reward of an early morning horse-trip
How to Use It
Used to describe the benefits of early rising or to encourage someone to take the initiative to gain an advantage.

Meaning

By waking up early and taking initiative before others, one can secure additional rewards or better results. It teaches that diligence and being the first to act are keys to success in various endeavors.

Literal Image

The reward of an early morning horse-trip

How to Use It

Used to describe the benefits of early rising or to encourage someone to take the initiative to gain an advantage.

Examples

01

朝駆けの駄賃とはよく言ったもので、早朝から市場に行くと安くて新鮮なものが手に入る。

They say an early start brings its own reward; by going to the market at dawn, you can find fresh items at low prices.

02

朝駆けの駄賃を信じて毎朝早起きして仕事をした結果、同僚より先に昇進することができた。

By believing in the benefits of an early start and working hard every morning, I was able to get promoted before my colleagues.

03

朝駆けの駄賃というように、早起きして先手を打つことが成功の秘訣だ。

As the saying goes, waking up early and taking the initiative is the secret to success.

Learning Notes

Key Vocabulary

Estimated LevelN2Confidence: Medium
Estimate, not an official JLPT list

The vocabulary 'asagake' and 'dachin' are specific terms that are not in daily beginner conversation, and the concept of 'dachin' requires some source context.

朝駆け

あさがけ / asagake

early morning start; heading out at dawn

駄賃

だちん / dachin

reward; tip; fee for carrying goods

Usage Profile

NeutralEncouragingMoralizing

Usage note: While encouraging, ensure it doesn't sound like you are lecturing someone who is struggling with their schedule.

Misread Risk

Do not assume 'dachin' only refers to modern money; it carries a nuance of an 'extra' or 'bonus' reward earned through effort.

Search As

朝駆けの駄賃あさがけのだちんasagake no dachinasagakenodachinasagake-no-dachin

Kanji in This Proverb

Related Proverbs

Entry available早起きは三文の徳hayaoki wa sanmon no tokuWaking up early is good for your health and can bring small, unexpected benefits.
Similar先んずれば人を制す

Origin

The term 'asagake' originally referred to transporting goods using horses or cattle in the early morning. 'Dachin' was the fee or reward paid for this transport work. Because starting these deliveries early allowed for extra earnings beyond the standard day's work, the phrase evolved to represent the advantages gained from waking up early and taking proactive action.

Index

Topics, Situations, and Tags

01

Topics

Effort and PatienceStrategy and ActionSuccess and Failure
02

Situations

Encourage SomeonePraise EffortGive Life Advice
03

Tags

⚔️Life & General Wisdom🌟Motivation🎯Strategy & Tactics

Source Note

Where did this entry get its data from? The reference links are listed below. To understand how to read this section, see Data Sources.

Published
2026-03-19
Updated
2026-05-08
Source 1: tomomi965.comSource 2: tomomi965.comSource 3: tomomi965.comSource 4: tomomi965.comAbout Data SourcesReport a Correction

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