Proverb / Kotowaza
チャンスの神様は前髪しかない
Seize opportunities immediately before they pass by and become impossible to catch.
The god of opportunity has only a forelock.
Quick Answer
Seize opportunities immediately before they pass by and become impossible to catch.
- Literal Image
- The god of opportunity has only a forelock.
- Closest Equivalent
- Take time by the forelock
- How to Use It
- Used to encourage someone to make a quick decision or to take immediate action when a good opportunity presents itself.
Meaning
This proverb teaches that favorable chances are fleeting and must be grabbed the moment they appear. It is based on the imagery of a deity who has hair only on the front of his head; if you hesitate and try to catch him after he has flown past, there is nothing on the back of his head to hold onto, meaning the opportunity is lost forever.
Literal Image
The god of opportunity has only a forelock.
Equivalent Proverbs
Take time by the forelock
Uses the same imagery of grabbing hair from the front.
Opportunity knocks but once
Emphasizes the rarity and singular nature of opportunity.
Strike while the iron is hot
Focuses on taking action while the timing is perfect.
How to Use It
Used to encourage someone to make a quick decision or to take immediate action when a good opportunity presents itself.
Tone
Can be used as advice or a cautionary reminder about the importance of timing.
Examples
迷っている暇はないよ。「チャンスの神様は前髪しかない」と言うだろう。今すぐ決断して行動に移すべきだ。
There is no time to hesitate. As the saying goes, 'the god of opportunity has only a forelock.' You should make a decision and take action right now.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The vocabulary includes katakana and the grammar uses the 'shika nai' (nothing but) pattern. The proverb relies on a specific mythological metaphor that may not be immediately obvious without context.
チャンス
ちゃんす / chansu
chance, opportunity
神様
かみさま / kamisama
god, deity
前髪
まえがみ / maegami
forelock, bangs
しかない
しかない / shika nai
have only, nothing but
Usage Profile
Usage note: Be careful not to use it in a way that sounds overly pressuring if someone is facing a truly difficult life choice.
Misread Risk
Do not interpret this literally as a statement about physical appearance; it is a metaphor for the fleeting nature of timing.
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Origin
This expression is derived from the appearance of Kairos, the god of opportunity in Greek mythology. Kairos is depicted with a long forelock but a bald back of the head, and wings on his feet to signify speed. The allegory is that you must grab his forelock as he approaches you; once he has flown past, there is no hair on the back of his head to hold onto, making it impossible to catch him again.
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