Proverb / Kotowaza
当たらずと雖も遠からず
Not perfectly accurate, but nearly correct and hitting the main point.
Even if it does not hit, it is not far off
Quick Answer
Not perfectly accurate, but nearly correct and hitting the main point.
- Literal Image
- Even if it does not hit, it is not far off
- Closest Equivalent
- Not far from the truth.
- How to Use It
- This phrase is used to acknowledge that someone's prediction or assessment is mostly right. It is a way to state that their reasoning is sound and very close to the reality of the situation.
Meaning
This expression describes a situation where an observation, guess, or statement is not 100% precise but is very close to the actual truth. It implies that while some specific details might be slightly off, the core idea or general direction is correct and hits the mark.
Literal Image
Even if it does not hit, it is not far off
Equivalent Proverbs
Not far from the truth.
Shares the same meaning and a very similar image of proximity to truth.
How to Use It
This phrase is used to acknowledge that someone's prediction or assessment is mostly right. It is a way to state that their reasoning is sound and very close to the reality of the situation.
Tone
A neutral and slightly formal expression used for objective evaluation.
Examples
「この事件は内部の人間の仕業では」という推測に対して、「当たらずと雖も遠からず」とベテラン刑事は答えた
In response to the speculation that "This incident might be the work of an insider," the veteran detective replied, "It's not far from the truth."
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The proverb utilizes classical Japanese grammar, including the negative 'zu' ending and the literary conjunctive particle 'iedomo'.
当たらず
あたらず / atarazu
not hitting; not correct
雖も
いえども / iedomo
even though; although
遠からず
とおからず / tookarazu
not far
Usage Profile
Usage note: While it acknowledges correctness, it also points out that the statement is not perfectly precise.
Misread Risk
Do not use this to mean someone is completely wrong; it specifically validates that they are very close to the right answer.
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Origin
The expression is attributed to the teachings of the philosopher Confucius. From a grammatical standpoint, 'atarazu' signifies not hitting a target, 'iedomo' translates to 'even though,' and 'tookarazu' means 'not far.' Combined, the phrase describes a situation that, while not a direct hit, remains close to the intended mark.
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