Proverb / Kotowaza
武士は食わねど高楊枝
Maintaining one's dignity and pride even when facing poverty or hardship.
A samurai uses a toothpick even if he has not eaten.
Quick Answer
Maintaining one's dignity and pride even when facing poverty or hardship.
- Literal Image
- A samurai uses a toothpick even if he has not eaten.
- How to Use It
- Used to describe someone who maintains their pride and dignity in front of others despite being in a difficult or impoverished state.
Meaning
This expression describes the act of keeping one's composure and refusing to show weakness, even when in a difficult situation such as hunger or financial struggle. It originates from the image of a samurai who, despite being too poor to eat, uses a toothpick to act as if he has just finished a meal, prioritizing his honor over his physical needs.
Literal Image
A samurai uses a toothpick even if he has not eaten.
How to Use It
Used to describe someone who maintains their pride and dignity in front of others despite being in a difficult or impoverished state.
Tone
Neutral or admiring, though it can sometimes imply a sense of excessive or unnecessary stubbornness.
Examples
武士は食わねど高楊枝で、苦しくても弱みを見せない彼の姿勢は立派だ。
With the spirit of 'a samurai uses a toothpick even without eating,' his attitude of not showing weakness despite his struggles is admirable.
武士は食わねど高楊枝と言えば聞こえはいいが、無理は体に毒だ。
Maintaining pride like a samurai is all well and good, but pushing yourself too hard is bad for your health.
生活は苦しいが、武士は食わねど高楊枝の気概で乗り越えるしかない。
Life is difficult, but we have no choice but to get through it with the dignity of a samurai who acts full even when hungry.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Contains classical grammar (the negative conjunctive '-nedo') and cultural vocabulary specific to source contexts.
武士
ぶし / bushi
samurai; warrior
食わねど
くわねど / kuwanedo
even though (one) does not eat
高楊枝
たかようじ / takayouji
using a toothpick ostentatiously (as if full)
Usage Profile
Usage note: While it can praise dignity, it is sometimes used to point out unnecessary or harmful stubbornness.
Misread Risk
Do not take it literally as advice about dental hygiene; it is entirely about maintaining dignity despite physical lack.
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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.