Proverb / Kotowaza
朝三暮四
Focusing on superficial differences while failing to realize that the final outcome is exactly the same.
Three in the morning and four in the evening
Quick Answer
Focusing on superficial differences while failing to realize that the final outcome is exactly the same.
- Literal Image
- Three in the morning and four in the evening
- How to Use It
- Used to criticize someone who is easily fooled by how a situation is presented or to describe a person who uses petty tricks to manipulate others. It can also appear in literary descriptions of living in poverty.
Meaning
This expression originates from a Chinese parable about a monkey trainer who manipulated his monkeys by changing the timing of their feedings without changing the total amount given. It describes being deceived by clever tricks or being so preoccupied with immediate, surface-level changes that one misses the underlying reality. In some contexts, it also refers to a meager livelihood that barely sustains one's existence.
Literal Image
Three in the morning and four in the evening
How to Use It
Used to criticize someone who is easily fooled by how a situation is presented or to describe a person who uses petty tricks to manipulate others. It can also appear in literary descriptions of living in poverty.
Tone
Critical and cautionary, highlighting foolishness or the deceptive nature of appearances.
Examples
朝三暮四の資に心有る人もがなと
I wish there were a compassionate soul who would provide even a meager livelihood.
A literary use from the Taiheiki referring to basic sustenance.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
This is a four-character idiom (yojijukugo) of Chinese origin. While the individual kanji are basic, the meaning is entirely idiomatic and requires understanding the classical parable.
朝
あさ / asa
morning
暮
くれ / kure
evening; sunset
三
さん / san
three
四
し / shi
four
Usage Profile
Usage note: Ensure you are using it to describe deceptive appearances rather than just a simple change in schedule.
Misread Risk
Avoid interpreting this as a positive statement about flexibility; it implies being tricked or focusing on the wrong details.
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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.