Proverb / Kotowaza
不倶戴天
A deep, irreconcilable hatred or enmity that makes coexistence impossible.
Not bearing the same heaven together
Quick Answer
A deep, irreconcilable hatred or enmity that makes coexistence impossible.
- Literal Image
- Not bearing the same heaven together
- How to Use It
- Used when describing bitter rivals, sworn enemies, or a person one can never forgive. It appears in phrases like 'fugu taiten no teki' (sworn enemy) or 'fugu taiten no naka' (irreconcilable relationship).
Meaning
This expression describes a level of resentment so profound that the parties involved cannot live under the same heaven. It refers to sworn enemies or an absolutely unforgivable opponent.
Literal Image
Not bearing the same heaven together
How to Use It
Used when describing bitter rivals, sworn enemies, or a person one can never forgive. It appears in phrases like 'fugu taiten no teki' (sworn enemy) or 'fugu taiten no naka' (irreconcilable relationship).
Tone
Formal and serious, primarily used in literary or dramatic contexts to emphasize the intensity of hatred.
Examples
二人は不倶戴天の仲で、顔を合わせれば必ず衝突する。
The two are in an irreconcilable relationship and always clash whenever they see each other.
不倶戴天の敵と手を組むなど、以前の彼なら考えられなかっただろう。
Forming an alliance with a sworn enemy is something his former self likely never would have considered.
不倶戴天の恨みを抱いていたが、年月が経つにつれ許す気持ちも芽生えてきた。
I held a deep, irreconcilable grudge, but as the years passed, a feeling of forgiveness began to sprout.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The expression uses a formal four-character idiom structure and includes literary kanji like '戴' which are not part of basic study levels.
不
ふ / fu
negative prefix; not
倶に
ともに / tomo ni
together
戴く
いただく / itadaku
to have over one; to bear (the sky)
天
てん / ten
heaven; sky
Usage Profile
Usage note: This is a very strong term for hatred; use it only when describing extreme enmity.
Misread Risk
Do not use this for minor disagreements; it implies a literal inability to coexist in the same world.
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Origin
This expression originates from the 'Qu Li' chapter of the Chinese classic 'Book of Rites' (Liji). The original text states that one should not live under the same sky as the murderer of one's father ('父の仇とは共に天を戴かず'). While it initially expressed a powerful drive for familial revenge, the meaning expanded over time to describe any hatred or enmity so deep that the parties involved cannot coexist.
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Source Note
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