Proverb / Kotowaza
判官贔屓
The natural human tendency to sympathize with or support the underdog or the defeated.
Favoritism for the Magistrate
Quick Answer
The natural human tendency to sympathize with or support the underdog or the defeated.
- Literal Image
- Favoritism for the Magistrate
- Closest Equivalent
- Sympathy for the underdog
- How to Use It
- Used to describe rooting for an underdog team or supporting someone who is in a disadvantageous position out of sympathy.
Meaning
This expression describes the psychological inclination to side with those in a weaker position rather than the powerful. It refers to the feeling of wanting to offer support or encouragement to those who have lost or are facing hardship, rooted in compassion for the unfortunate.
Literal Image
Favoritism for the Magistrate
Equivalent Proverbs
Sympathy for the underdog
Captures the core sentiment of supporting the weaker side.
How to Use It
Used to describe rooting for an underdog team or supporting someone who is in a disadvantageous position out of sympathy.
Tone
Reflects a deep human sentiment regarding compassion and fairness.
Examples
あの選手を応援するのは判官贔屓かもしれないが、どうしても弱小チームを応援したくなる。
Supporting that player might be 'hoganbiiki', but I just can't help wanting to support the weaker team.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The kanji for 'biiki' (贔屓) are quite complex, and the term itself requires knowledge of historical titles and context.
判官
ほうがん / hogan
magistrate; historical official rank
贔屓
びいき / biiki
favoritism; support; partiality
弱小
じゃくしょう / jakushou
weak and small; underdog
Usage Profile
Usage note: While positive, it can sometimes imply that support is based purely on sympathy rather than merit.
Misread Risk
Be careful not to assume 'Hogan' refers to a modern judge; it is specifically a historical title associated with the tragic hero Yoshitsune.
Search As
Related Proverbs
Origin
The expression is derived from the tragic life of the samurai commander Minamoto no Yoshitsune (Minamoto no Kuro Hogan Yoshitsune). Despite his brilliant victories, he was pursued by his elder brother Yoritomo and eventually met a tragic death. The public's deep sympathy for Yoshitsune, referred to by his official title 'Hogan,' gave rise to this term describing the human tendency to favor the tragic underdog.
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.