Proverb / Kotowaza
粉骨砕身
To work with all one's might and devote oneself completely to a task.
Powdering one's bones and shattering one's body
Quick Answer
To work with all one's might and devote oneself completely to a task.
- Literal Image
- Powdering one's bones and shattering one's body
- How to Use It
- Used when expressing a firm resolve to work extremely hard or when describing someone's tireless dedication to a project or cause.
Meaning
To strive with everything one has, to the point of extreme sacrifice or physical exhaustion. It describes a state of total dedication where one works as hard as humanly possible without sparing oneself.
Literal Image
Powdering one's bones and shattering one's body
How to Use It
Used when expressing a firm resolve to work extremely hard or when describing someone's tireless dedication to a project or cause.
Tone
Formal and resolute; can be used in professional or serious contexts to show determination.
Examples
会社の再建のため、粉骨砕身働く覚悟です。
I am prepared to work with all my might to rebuild the company.
粉骨砕身の努力が実り、プロジェクトは成功を収めた。
The project succeeded thanks to the tireless efforts and complete dedication put into it.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
This is a four-character compound (yojijukugo) using formal kanji and formal vocabulary not encountered in early Japanese studies.
粉
ふん / fun
powder
骨
こつ / kotsu
bone
砕
さい / sai
to break or shatter
身
しん / shin
body
Usage Profile
Usage note: While it shows dedication, be careful not to use it in a way that implies a disregard for health or well-being in inappropriate contexts.
Misread Risk
Do not interpret this literally as physical harm; it is a metaphorical expression for extreme hard work.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
The term 'funkotsu' (粉骨) refers to making an effort to the extent that one's bones turn to powder, while 'saishin' (砕身) means to toil until one's body is shattered. Combining these two terms emphasizes the idea of striving with all of one's power. It is said to have originated from Buddhist terminology.
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