Proverb / Kotowaza
男子家を出ずれば七人の敵あり
When a man steps out into society to work or lead a life, he will inevitably encounter many rivals and obstacles.
Once a man leaves home, there are seven enemies.
Quick Answer
When a man steps out into society to work or lead a life, he will inevitably encounter many rivals and obstacles.
- Literal Image
- Once a man leaves home, there are seven enemies.
- Closest Equivalent
- A man who steps out into the world faces many rivals.
- How to Use It
- Used to explain or prepare someone for the difficulties and competition found in professional life or society at large.
Meaning
This proverb highlights the competitive and harsh reality of the professional and social world outside the safety of one's home. It suggests that as soon as one participates in society, they must be prepared to face numerous challenges and opponents. The number "seven" is used figuratively to represent a large, indefinite number rather than a literal count.
Literal Image
Once a man leaves home, there are seven enemies.
Equivalent Proverbs
A man who steps out into the world faces many rivals.
A direct explanation of the proverb's sentiment.
How to Use It
Used to explain or prepare someone for the difficulties and competition found in professional life or society at large.
Tone
Cautionary and realistic; it reflects a traditional view of social participation as a form of struggle or competition.
Examples
就職してすぐに職場の人間関係で悩んだ。父は「男子家を出ずれば七人の敵あり、それが社会というものだ」と言った。
I struggled with workplace relationships right after starting my job. My father said, 'Once a man leaves home, there are seven enemies; that is what society is like.'
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses classical grammar such as 'izureba' (the izenkei form of izuru + ba) and the classical conclusive 'ari', making it linguistically advanced despite the simple vocabulary.
男子
だんし / danshi
man; young man
家を出ずれば
いえをいずれば / ie wo izureba
once [one] leaves home
七人
しちにん / shichinin
seven people (figuratively: many)
敵
てき / teki
enemy; rival
あり
あり / ari
to exist; there are
Usage Profile
Usage note: The term 'danshi' (man) reflects the historical context of the proverb; while still used today, it carries a traditional masculine nuance.
Misread Risk
Do not take 'seven' literally; it is a symbolic number meaning 'a great many'.
Search As
Origin
This expression is thought to have emerged from the values of traditional samurai society. It teaches that the world outside contains many dangers and competitions, suggesting that one should always be prepared to face opposition. The number 'seven' is used figuratively to signify 'a great many' rather than a specific count of people.
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.