Proverb / Kotowaza
尾生の信
To keep a promise even at the cost of one's life, or to be stubbornly and foolishly honest to the point of inflexibility.
The faithfulness of Bise
Quick Answer
To keep a promise even at the cost of one's life, or to be stubbornly and foolishly honest to the point of inflexibility.
- Literal Image
- The faithfulness of Bise
- How to Use It
- Used to describe someone who keeps their word with extreme devotion, or to criticize an impractical and dangerous level of stubbornness.
Meaning
This expression refers to the unwavering integrity of keeping a promise even if it means risking one's life. It is also used as a metaphor for a person who is foolishly honest and lacks the flexibility to adapt to circumstances, which can lead to their own downfall.
Literal Image
The faithfulness of Bise
How to Use It
Used to describe someone who keeps their word with extreme devotion, or to criticize an impractical and dangerous level of stubbornness.
Tone
This is a formal and literary expression that can range from a tone of praise for high integrity to a critical warning about the dangers of inflexibility.
Examples
約束の場所で何時間も待ち続ける彼は、尾生の信のような律儀な男だ。
He is a conscientious man like 'Bise no Shin', waiting for hours at the meeting place.
Describes someone who is very serious about their promises.
尾生の信は立派だが、融通の利かなさは時に身を滅ぼす。
While 'Bise no Shin' is admirable, a lack of flexibility can sometimes lead to one's destruction.
A warning about the risks of being too rigid.
愚直なまでに約束を守る姿勢は、尾生の信にも通じるものがある。
His attitude of keeping promises to the point of foolish honesty has something in with 'Bise no Shin'.
Describes a deep-seated honesty that can be impractical.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The proverb contains a specific historical name and follows a classical literary structure.
尾生
びせい / bisei
Bise (a man from ancient Chinese legend)
信
しん / shin
trust, faith, or integrity
約束
やくそく / yakusoku
promise or agreement
融通
ゆうずう / yuuzuu
flexibility or adaptability
Usage Profile
Usage note: Be aware that while it can praise integrity, it can be used to highlight a dangerous lack of sense.
Misread Risk
Avoid using this solely as a compliment for being honest; in modern contexts, it implies the person is being foolishly rigid.
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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.