Proverb / Kotowaza
明日の百より今日の五十
A certain small profit today is better than an uncertain large profit tomorrow.
Fifty today rather than a hundred tomorrow
Quick Answer
A certain small profit today is better than an uncertain large profit tomorrow.
- Literal Image
- Fifty today rather than a hundred tomorrow
- Closest Equivalent
- A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
- How to Use It
- Used when choosing to secure a smaller reward that is guaranteed rather than waiting for a larger one that involves risk or uncertainty.
Meaning
This proverb teaches that it is better to prioritize a smaller, guaranteed gain in the present over a larger, potential gain in the future that may never arrive. It emphasizes the practical value of certainty and immediate results over speculative promises.
Literal Image
Fifty today rather than a hundred tomorrow
Equivalent Proverbs
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
Both emphasize that the value of what you currently possess exceeds the value of a larger possibility that is not yet secured.
How to Use It
Used when choosing to secure a smaller reward that is guaranteed rather than waiting for a larger one that involves risk or uncertainty.
Tone
Reflects a realistic and practical attitude toward risk and reward.
Examples
大きな取引の話があるが、まずは目の前の小さな仕事を確実にこなしていく。「明日の百より今日の五十」だ
There is talk of a big deal, but first I will reliably complete the small tasks right in front of me. As they say, 'Fifty today over a hundred tomorrow.'
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The vocabulary for time and numbers is basic, and the 'A yori B' comparison structure is standard intermediate grammar.
明日
あした / ashita
tomorrow
百
ひゃく / hyaku
one hundred
より
より / yori
rather than; than
今日
きょう / kyo
today
五十
ごじゅう / goju
fifty
Usage Profile
Usage note: While practical, using this to justify avoiding all risks might be seen as overly conservative in ambitious business settings.
Misread Risk
Do not confuse this with a simple preference for the present moment; it specifically contrasts guaranteed certainty with speculative uncertainty.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
This proverb arises from the realistic perspective that money currently in one's possession holds actual value, whereas a larger amount promised for the future carries the risk of never being received.
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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.