Proverb / Kotowaza
河豚は食いたし命は惜しし
Expresses a conflict where one desires something attractive but is held back by the fear of associated risks.
I want to eat blowfish, but I value my life.
Quick Answer
Expresses a conflict where one desires something attractive but is held back by the fear of associated risks.
- Literal Image
- I want to eat blowfish, but I value my life.
- Closest Equivalent
- The desire is great but the fear is greater.
- How to Use It
- Use this when someone is tempted by a reward or experience but cannot bring themselves to act because they are worried about the negative consequences.
Meaning
This proverb describes the hesitation felt when facing a tempting opportunity that carries significant danger. It captures the universal human struggle between the urge to pursue a reward and the instinct to avoid potential harm.
Literal Image
I want to eat blowfish, but I value my life.
Equivalent Proverbs
The desire is great but the fear is greater.
Captures the same conflict between urge and fear.
How to Use It
Use this when someone is tempted by a reward or experience but cannot bring themselves to act because they are worried about the negative consequences.
Tone
Can be used with a touch of humor or self-reflection regarding one's own caution or indecisiveness.
Examples
スカイダイビングをやってみたいが、河豚は食いたし命は惜しし、なかなか勇気が出ない。
I want to try skydiving, but it's like wanting to eat blowfish but fearing for your life—I just can't work up the courage.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses classical grammar forms (kuitashi, oshishi) that are not in modern spoken Japanese.
河豚
ふぐ / fugu
blowfish; pufferfish
食いたし
くいたし / kuitashi
want to eat (classical form)
命
いのち / inochi
life
惜しし
おしし / oshishi
precious; dear (classical form)
Usage Profile
Usage note: While it mentions death, it can be used for less serious dilemmas, like wanting to buy something expensive but fearing the cost.
Misread Risk
The proverb is about internal conflict, not necessarily a warning to others about physical danger.
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Origin
The blowfish (fugu) is known for being exceptionally delicious but also containing a deadly poison. If not prepared correctly, eating it can result in death. This proverb uses the imagery of someone wanting to taste this delicacy while simultaneously fearing its lethal potential to illustrate the human struggle between desire and self-preservation.
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