Proverb / Kotowaza
始めあるものは必ず終わりあり
Everything that has a beginning must eventually come to an end.
Those that have a beginning certainly have an end.
Quick Answer
Everything that has a beginning must eventually come to an end.
- Literal Image
- Those that have a beginning certainly have an end.
- Closest Equivalent
- All good things must come to an end.
- How to Use It
- Used to acknowledge the impermanence of things, such as the lifespan of a company, a person's life, or the duration of an era. It can be used to suggest the importance of valuing the present moment.
Meaning
This proverb teaches that every process or existence that starts will inevitably reach a conclusion. Just as life leads to death and prosperity is followed by decline, it serves as a reminder that all things change and nothing in the world lasts forever.
Literal Image
Those that have a beginning certainly have an end.
Equivalent Proverbs
All good things must come to an end.
Specifically refers to positive experiences ending.
Nothing lasts forever.
A general statement on impermanence.
How to Use It
Used to acknowledge the impermanence of things, such as the lifespan of a company, a person's life, or the duration of an era. It can be used to suggest the importance of valuing the present moment.
Tone
Reflective and philosophical.
Examples
どんなに優れた企業でも、「始めあるものは必ず終わりあり」という言葉があるように、永遠に続くことはない。
No matter how excellent a company is, as the saying goes, 'everything that has a beginning must have an end,' it will not last forever.
人生も同じで、「始めあるものは必ず終わりあり」だからこそ、今を精一杯生きることが大切だ。
Life is the same; because 'everything that has a beginning must have an end,' it is important to live the present moment to the fullest.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The proverb uses vocabulary like 'beginning' and 'end,' making the literal meaning clear. The structure 'aru mono' (those that have) is a formal but accessible grammatical pattern.
始め
はじめ / hajime
beginning
終わり
おわり / owari
end
必ず
かならず / kanarazu
certainly / without fail
もの
mono
thing / one
Usage Profile
Usage note: Ensure the tone is reflective; using it to dismiss someone's loss can sound insensitive.
Misread Risk
While the literal meaning is about time, it is primarily used to discuss the lifecycle of entities (like businesses) or lives, rather than trivial daily events.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
The expression originates from the Chinese classic "Yangzi Fangyan" (揚子法言). It conveys the philosophy that all things are in a state of constant change and cannot remain the same forever.
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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.