Proverb / Kotowaza
長所は短所
A person's strengths can also be seen as weaknesses depending on the perspective and context.
A strength is a weakness.
Quick Answer
A person's strengths can also be seen as weaknesses depending on the perspective and context.
- Literal Image
- A strength is a weakness.
- How to Use It
- Used when observing that a person's positive trait is causing unintended negative consequences, or when reminding someone that every character trait has a potential downside.
Meaning
This proverb suggests that human traits are like two sides of the same coin. A quality that is considered a strength in one situation may become a flaw or cause problems in another, meaning that merits and demerits are fundamentally inseparable.
Literal Image
A strength is a weakness.
How to Use It
Used when observing that a person's positive trait is causing unintended negative consequences, or when reminding someone that every character trait has a potential downside.
Tone
Analytical and reflective.
Examples
彼女の几帳面さが時に周囲を困らせることがある。長所は短所というものだ。
Her meticulousness sometimes causes trouble for those around her. It just goes to show that a strength can also be a weakness.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses N2 vocabulary (chosho, tansho) and a simple sentence structure, though the underlying philosophy is abstract.
長所
ちょうしょ / chousho
strength; merit; strong point
短所
たんしょ / tansho
weakness; defect; shortcoming
は
わ / wa
topic marker particle
Usage Profile
Usage note: Be careful not to use it in a way that sounds like you are dismissing someone's genuine efforts or talents.
Misread Risk
Do not assume this means strengths are always bad; it simply points out that they have the potential to become weaknesses in the wrong context.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
This expression arises from the observation that human traits are inseparable (表裏一体, hyoriittai) and that what serves as a merit in one scenario can become a demerit in another.
Index
Topics, Situations, and Tags
Topics
Situations
Tags
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.