Proverb / Kotowaza
不撓不屈
Possessing a strong will that remains unbroken and steadfast despite any hardship or adversity.
unbending and unyielding
Quick Answer
Possessing a strong will that remains unbroken and steadfast despite any hardship or adversity.
- Literal Image
- unbending and unyielding
- How to Use It
- Used to describe a person's character, effort, or resolve when they are working toward a goal or facing a major crisis without giving up.
Meaning
This expression describes a powerful mental state where one refuses to lose heart or compromise their principles when facing extreme difficulties. By combining two terms that both mean to not bend or yield, it emphasizes an absolute determination to overcome obstacles and a spirit that never surrenders to failure.
Literal Image
unbending and unyielding
How to Use It
Used to describe a person's character, effort, or resolve when they are working toward a goal or facing a major crisis without giving up.
Tone
This is a formal and positive expression, can be used in professional, athletic, or inspirational contexts.
Examples
彼は不撓不屈の精神でリハビリに励み、再びグラウンドに立った。
With an indomitable spirit, he dedicated himself to rehabilitation and stood on the field once again.
幾度となく失敗を繰り返したが、彼女は不撓不屈の努力でついに目標を達成した。
Despite repeated failures, she finally achieved her goal through unyielding effort.
我々は不撓不屈の決意をもって、この難局を乗り越えなければならない。
We must overcome this difficult situation with indomitable determination.
彼の座右の銘は「不撓不屈」で、どんな逆境にも決して諦めない。
His favorite motto is "Indomitable Spirit," and he never gives up regardless of the adversity.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
This is a four-character compound (yojijukugo) that uses intermediate kanji and a classical negation prefix ('fu').
不
ふ / fu
not; non-
撓む
たわむ / tawamu
to bend; to yield
屈する
くっする / kussuru
to yield; to surrender; to give in
精神
せいしん / seishin
spirit; mind; soul
Usage Profile
Usage note: As a formal four-character compound, it can sound quite heavy or serious in casual conversation.
Misread Risk
This is not just for being 'stubborn' in a negative sense; it specifically refers to positive resilience and strength of will in the face of hardship.
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Origin
The origin of this expression is found in the 'Biography' section of the Hanshu (Book of Han), a history of the Western Han dynasty. It describes the character of Wang Shang (also known as Gakusho), stating he was 'sincere and never bending or yielding' (篤実にして、撓まず屈せず). This description of his steadfast personality became the basis for the four-character compound used today to describe an indomitable will.
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