Proverb / Kotowaza
小さく生んで大きく育てろ
Start things on a small scale and gradually grow them over time.
Give birth small and raise big
Quick Answer
Start things on a small scale and gradually grow them over time.
- Literal Image
- Give birth small and raise big
- Closest Equivalent
- Start small and grow big.
- How to Use It
- Used when giving advice on starting a new venture or project to encourage a low-risk, gradual approach.
Meaning
Originating from a wish for safe childbirth and healthy growth, this expression advises that it is better to begin a project or business at a manageable size. By starting small, one can reduce initial risks and focus on steady development to achieve success.
Literal Image
Give birth small and raise big
Equivalent Proverbs
Start small and grow big.
Direct conceptual match for business and projects.
Great oaks from little acorns grow.
Focuses on the potential for greatness from small beginnings.
How to Use It
Used when giving advice on starting a new venture or project to encourage a low-risk, gradual approach.
Tone
Advisory and practical.
Examples
新しい事業を始めるにあたって、上司にアドバイスされた。「小さく生んで大きく育てろ、最初から大きく張るのはリスクが高い」と。
When starting a new business, my boss advised me: 'Start small and grow big; it is high risk to bet big from the beginning.'
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses verbs like 'umu' (give birth) and 'sodateru' (raise) in the imperative form, applied metaphorically to business.
小さく
ちいさく / chiisaku
small
生んで
うんで / unde
give birth to; produce
大きく
おおきく / ookiku
large
育てろ
そだてろ / sodatero
raise; nurture (imperative)
Usage Profile
Misread Risk
While it literally mentions childbirth, the expression serves as a metaphor for business and project management.
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Origin
The expression originates from a wish for safe childbirth. Historically, delivering a large baby could result in difficult labor, so giving birth to a smaller baby and raising it to be strong was the ideal outcome for the health of mother and child. This concept is now applied to business and project management.
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Source Note
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