Proverb / Kotowaza
破竹の勢い
Advancing with fierce, unstoppable momentum.
the force of splitting bamboo
Quick Answer
Advancing with fierce, unstoppable momentum.
- Literal Image
- the force of splitting bamboo
- Closest Equivalent
- Irresistible force
- How to Use It
- Used to describe rapid success, overwhelming victories, or uncontrollable progress in fields like business, sports, or military action.
Meaning
This expression describes a situation where someone or something moves forward with such power and speed that nothing can stop them. It is based on the idea that once the first joint of a bamboo stalk is split, the rest splits easily and rapidly with almost no effort.
Literal Image
the force of splitting bamboo
Equivalent Proverbs
Irresistible force
Describes a power that cannot be resisted or stopped.
Sweeping victory
Focuses on the outcome of having overwhelming momentum.
How to Use It
Used to describe rapid success, overwhelming victories, or uncontrollable progress in fields like business, sports, or military action.
Tone
Energetic and positive; can be used when describing a winning streak or a highly successful trend.
Examples
新製品が破竹の勢いで売れている。
The new product is selling with unstoppable momentum.
そのチームは破竹の勢いで勝ち進み、優勝した。
The team advanced with fierce momentum and won the championship.
破竹の勢いで領土を拡大した。
They expanded their territory with an irresistible force.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses non-basic kanji combinations like 破竹 and the abstract concept of 'momentum' (勢い), which is typical for the study of idiomatically opaque expressions.
破竹
はちく / hachiku
splitting bamboo
勢い
いきおい / ikioi
momentum; force
Usage Profile
Misread Risk
Do not confuse this with a literal statement about woodworking; it is exclusively used for figurative momentum in competitive or commercial contexts.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
This expression comes from the 'Book of Jin' (Jin Shu). It refers to the physical property of bamboo: once the first joint is split by a blade, the rest of the stalk splits open continuously and effortlessly, symbolizing a force that cannot be halted once it begins.
Index
Topics, Situations, and Tags
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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.