Proverb / Kotowaza
兵は神速を貴ぶ
Swift action is the most critical factor for success in strategy and competitive situations.
In military matters, lightning speed is valued
Quick Answer
Swift action is the most critical factor for success in strategy and competitive situations.
- Literal Image
- In military matters, lightning speed is valued
- Closest Equivalent
- Speed is of the essence.
- How to Use It
- Used when emphasizing the need for immediate action to gain a competitive advantage or to handle an urgent situation.
Meaning
Originally a military principle stating that moving faster than the opponent is the key to victory, this proverb emphasizes that hesitation leads to defeat. In modern contexts, it teaches the importance of acting quickly and decisively in business, sports, and other areas where timing is essential.
Literal Image
In military matters, lightning speed is valued
Equivalent Proverbs
Speed is of the essence.
Matches the focus on speed being the most important factor.
The early bird catches the worm.
Relates to the advantage of acting before others.
How to Use It
Used when emphasizing the need for immediate action to gain a competitive advantage or to handle an urgent situation.
Tone
Strategic and decisive.
Examples
兵は神速を貴ぶというように、競合他社より先に新市場へ参入することがビジネスの勝敗を左右する。
As the proverb says, entering a new market before competitors is what determines business success or failure.
災害時の救助活動では兵は神速を貴ぶで、一刻も早い対応が生存率を高める。
In disaster rescue operations, speed is of the essence; the faster the response, the higher the survival rate.
交渉の場では兵は神速を貴ぶを念頭に、相手が考える前に決断を促すのが鉄則だ。
In negotiations, it is a cardinal rule to encourage a decision before the other party has time to overthink, keeping the importance of speed in mind.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses formal kanji like 貴ぶ (tattobu) and the military term 兵 (hei), making it feel more literary or advanced despite the simple grammar.
兵
へい / hei
military; soldier; strategy
神速
しんそく / shinsoku
lightning speed; swiftness
貴ぶ
たっとぶ / tattobu
to value; to prize; to respect
Usage Profile
Usage note: While emphasizing speed, ensure it is understood as strategic swiftness rather than mere carelessness.
Misread Risk
Do not mistake this for a recommendation to act without thinking; the 'speed' must be part of a strategic advantage.
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Origin
The proverb originates from the biography of Guo Jia (Kaku Ka) in the 'Records of Wei' (魏志), a volume of the Chinese historical text 'Records of the Three Kingdoms'. It is also a principle emphasized in 'The Art of War' (孫子) by Sun Tzu. It describes the military wisdom that moving faster than an opponent is the key to victory, and that hesitation or delay leads to defeat.
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