Proverb / Kotowaza
匹夫の勇
A rash and reckless form of bravery that lacks foresight or discretion.
The courage of an insignificant man
Quick Answer
A rash and reckless form of bravery that lacks foresight or discretion.
- Literal Image
- The courage of an insignificant man
- Closest Equivalent
- Foolhardiness
- How to Use It
- Used when criticizing someone for acting recklessly or when warning that acting on raw emotion without a strategy will cause trouble for others.
Meaning
This expression refers to actions taken out of momentary anger or hot-blooded impulse rather than careful thought. It characterizes behavior that is mindless and unplanned, contrasting such recklessness with the calculated and responsible bravery required of a true leader.
Literal Image
The courage of an insignificant man
Equivalent Proverbs
Foolhardiness
Describes reckless boldness without judgment.
Reckless courage
Refers to bravery without regard for consequences.
How to Use It
Used when criticizing someone for acting recklessly or when warning that acting on raw emotion without a strategy will cause trouble for others.
Tone
This term carries a critical and cautionary tone, dismissing impulsive bravado as inferior to true courage.
Examples
大勢を顧みず一人で突撃していくのは匹夫の勇にすぎず、チームに迷惑をかけるだけだ。
Charging in alone without considering the situation is nothing more than reckless courage and only causes trouble for the team.
感情的になって上司に反論するのは匹夫の勇であり、冷静な判断こそが大切だ。
Talking back to your boss out of emotion is a display of rash impulsivity; what matters is making a calm judgment.
真のリーダーは匹夫の勇を戒め、仲間を巻き込む覚悟と戦略を持って行動する。
A true leader avoids reckless courage and acts with a strategy and the determination to involve their comrades.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The proverb features the literary term 'hippu' and relies on classical Chinese philosophical concepts not in everyday speech.
匹夫
ひっぷ / hippu
insignificant man; person of low status
勇
ゆう / yu
courage; bravery
Usage Profile
Usage note: This is a direct criticism of someone's character or judgment; use it carefully as it dismisses their actions as shallow.
Misread Risk
Do not use this to praise someone's bravery; it is specifically used to describe recklessness that lacks moral or strategic depth.
Search As
Related Proverbs
Origin
The term 'hippu' refers to a man of low social status or an insignificant person. The expression originates from classical Chinese literature. In the teachings of Mencius, he critiques 'hippu no yu' as courage that is only sufficient to face a single enemy, lacking the breadth of mind to address larger issues. Similarly, Confucius noted that courage without a moral foundation of benevolence leads to disorder. These classical ideas formed the basis for this proverb as a warning against unthinking, reckless aggression.
Index
Topics, Situations, and Tags
Topics
Situations
Tags
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.