Proverb / Kotowaza
明日ありと思う心の仇桜
Do not procrastinate, as unexpected events may rob you of the opportunity to act tomorrow.
The heart that thinks there is always tomorrow is like a cherry blossom that may fall in a storm
Quick Answer
Do not procrastinate, as unexpected events may rob you of the opportunity to act tomorrow.
- Literal Image
- The heart that thinks there is always tomorrow is like a cherry blossom that may fall in a storm
- How to Use It
- Used to caution against procrastination or to express regret after missing an opportunity because it was delayed.
Meaning
Just as one might assume cherry blossoms will still be in bloom tomorrow only for a midnight storm to scatter them, life is unpredictable. This proverb warns against delaying tasks or opportunities by assuming there will be time later. It emphasizes the importance of the present moment and taking immediate action because life and circumstances can change without warning.
Literal Image
The heart that thinks there is always tomorrow is like a cherry blossom that may fall in a storm
How to Use It
Used to caution against procrastination or to express regret after missing an opportunity because it was delayed.
Tone
Instructive and cautionary, can be used when reflecting on the fragility of life or the danger of overconfidence in the future.
Examples
試験勉強を『明日からやればいい』と思っていたら、気づけば前日になってしまった。明日ありと思う心の仇桜とはよく言ったもので、先延ばしは禁物だ。
I thought I'd start studying for the exam tomorrow, but before I knew it, it was the day before. Procrastination is a trap; it's just as they say about the cherry blossoms that may be gone by tomorrow.
長年会いたいと思っていた恩師が急逝してしまった。明日ありと思う心の仇桜、もっと早く連絡すればよかったと後悔している。
The teacher I had wanted to see for years passed away suddenly. I regret not contacting them sooner; one should never assume there is always a tomorrow.
体調が悪いのに『明日病院に行こう』と後回しにしていたら重症になってしまった。明日ありと思う心の仇桜という言葉の重みを身をもって感じた。
I kept putting off going to the doctor, thinking I'd go tomorrow, and my condition became serious. I've felt the weight of the proverb warning us that tomorrow is never guaranteed.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
While the individual words are mostly familiar, the length of the phrase and the metaphorical use of 'adazakura' (fickle/ephemeral cherry blossoms) require a higher level of comprehension.
明日
あす / asu
tomorrow
思う
おもう / omou
to think
心
こころ / kokoro
heart/mind
仇桜
あだざくら / adazakura
ephemeral cherry blossoms
Usage Profile
Usage note: Since it sounds quite formal and literary, it might feel overly dramatic in very casual, everyday situations.
Misread Risk
Do not mistake this as a simple proverb about appreciating flowers; it is specifically a warning against delaying important actions.
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Origin
This proverb is said to be based on an anecdote from the childhood of Shinran Shonin (1173–1263), the founder of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. At age nine, Shinran sought to become a monk at Mount Hiei. When his teacher, Jien, suggested waiting until the next morning because it was late, Shinran composed a poem: 'Asu ari to omou kokoro no adazakura yohan ni arashi no fukanu mono ka wa' (The cherry blossoms I think will be there tomorrow may be scattered by a midnight storm). He argued that just as flowers fall, life is fragile and he must be ordained immediately. Moved by the child's insight, the teacher performed the ceremony that night.
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