Proverb / Kotowaza
知恵と力は重荷にならぬ
Knowledge and physical strength are assets that never weigh you down and are always useful in life.
Wisdom and strength do not become a burden
Quick Answer
Knowledge and physical strength are assets that never weigh you down and are always useful in life.
- Literal Image
- Wisdom and strength do not become a burden
- How to Use It
- Used to encourage someone to continue learning or training, emphasizing that any skill or knowledge acquired will eventually be beneficial.
Meaning
Skills, knowledge, and physical health are described as 'portable' assets that do not take up physical space or require effort to carry like material goods. No matter how much you acquire, they only serve to help you, especially during difficult times, and they do not diminish with use.
Literal Image
Wisdom and strength do not become a burden
How to Use It
Used to encourage someone to continue learning or training, emphasizing that any skill or knowledge acquired will eventually be beneficial.
Tone
Encouraging and instructive.
Examples
資格取得の勉強は大変だけど、知恵と力は重荷にならぬというから、どんな知識も将来きっと役に立つよ。
Studying for qualifications is hard, but they say wisdom and strength are never a burden, so any knowledge will surely be useful in the future.
運動も読書も続けているおじいちゃんは、知恵と力は重荷にならぬを地でいく人だ。
My grandfather, who keeps up with both exercise and reading, is the perfect example of the saying that wisdom and strength are never a burden.
外国語を習っておくと損はない。知恵と力は重荷にならぬというし、いつか海外で活躍できるかもしれない。
There is no harm in learning a foreign language. Wisdom and strength are never a burden, and it might help you succeed abroad someday.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The nouns are relatively simple, but the classical 'naranu' negative form and the metaphorical 'burden' require idiomatic familiarity.
知恵
ちえ / chie
wisdom; knowledge
力
ちから / chikara
strength; ability
重荷
おもに / omoni
burden; heavy load
Usage Profile
Usage note: Use this proverb for positive contexts of self-motivation, rather than for dismissing the help of others.
Misread Risk
This does not refer to the physical weight of books or equipment, but rather to the idea that possessing these traits is effortless once acquired.
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Origin
This proverb is rooted in Japanese agricultural society, where physical stamina and practical knowledge were the foundations of daily life. While physical tools or crops must be carried, wisdom and strength are internal abilities that do not require physical effort to transport. It is said to have spread through the general population since the Edo period as a maxims for the value of study and self-discipline.
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Where did this entry get its data from? The reference links are listed below. To understand how to read this section, see Data Sources.