Proverb / Kotowaza
朝に道を聞かば夕べに死すとも可なり
If one can understand the Truth or the correct path of humanity in the morning, they can die content that very evening.
If you hear the Truth in the morning, it is acceptable to die in the evening.
Quick Answer
If one can understand the Truth or the correct path of humanity in the morning, they can die content that very evening.
- Literal Image
- If you hear the Truth in the morning, it is acceptable to die in the evening.
- How to Use It
- This expression is used to describe a deep devotion to learning or the pursuit of truth. It can be cited as a personal motto for scholars or individuals committed to high moral principles.
Meaning
This proverb emphasizes the supreme importance of attaining true knowledge or moral enlightenment. It suggests that once a person has understood the fundamental principles of the world or the right way to live, their life has reached its purpose, and they would have no regrets even if they were to pass away immediately afterward.
Literal Image
If you hear the Truth in the morning, it is acceptable to die in the evening.
How to Use It
This expression is used to describe a deep devotion to learning or the pursuit of truth. It can be cited as a personal motto for scholars or individuals committed to high moral principles.
Tone
Formal and literary. It conveys a sense of profound philosophical resolve and commitment to wisdom.
Examples
学問の道に打ち込んでいる彼は、「朝に道を聞かば夕べに死すとも可なり」という言葉を座右の銘にしている
Devoted to the path of scholarship, he takes the words 'If I learn the Truth in the morning, I can die in the evening' as his personal motto.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses classical grammar such as the conditional 'kikaba' and the suffix 'shisuto mo'. The reading 'ashita' for 朝 is specific to this expression and differs from modern usage.
朝
あした / ashita
morning (literary)
道
みち / michi
the path; truth; moral principle
聞かば
きかば / kikaba
if [one] hears or learns
夕べ
ゆうべ / yuube
evening
死す
しす / shisu
to die
Usage Profile
Usage note: This is a very formal and heavy expression; it is not suitable for casual conversation.
Misread Risk
Learners should not confuse 'ashita' in this context with its modern meaning of 'tomorrow'. Here, it specifically means 'morning'.
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Origin
This proverb is a Japanese reading (kundoku) of the phrase "朝聞道、夕死可矣" found in the "Analects" of Confucius (Rijin chapter). It conveys Confucius's teaching that discovering the truth or the right path (michi) is the most significant goal in life, far outweighing physical longevity.
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Where did this entry get its data from? The reference links are listed below. To understand how to read this section, see Data Sources.