Proverb / Kotowaza
仏の顔も三度まで
Even the most patient person will eventually lose their temper if provoked repeatedly.
Even the face of a Buddha, only up to three times
Quick Answer
Even the most patient person will eventually lose their temper if provoked repeatedly.
- Literal Image
- Even the face of a Buddha, only up to three times
- Closest Equivalent
- The crushed worm will turn.
- How to Use It
- It is used as a warning to someone who is testing another person's patience, or to explain why a normally calm individual has finally expressed anger.
Meaning
This proverb expresses that there is a limit to anyone's patience, even those who are known for being exceptionally kind or gentle. It suggests that if someone is subjected to repeated rudeness or insults, they will eventually reach their breaking point and become angry.
Literal Image
Even the face of a Buddha, only up to three times
Equivalent Proverbs
The crushed worm will turn.
Suggests that even the weakest or most patient creature will eventually retaliate.
How to Use It
It is used as a warning to someone who is testing another person's patience, or to explain why a normally calm individual has finally expressed anger.
Tone
The phrase carries a cautionary tone, suggesting that one should not take another person's kindness for granted.
Examples
仏の顔も三度と言うから、これ以上彼を怒らせない方がいい。
They say 'even the face of a Buddha, only three times,' so you'd better not make him any angrier.
温厚な上司も仏の顔も三度で、さすがに三度目の遅刻には激怒した。
Even my gentle boss has his limits; after the third late arrival, he finally lost his temper.
仏の顔も三度だ。いい加減にしないと、本当に怒るぞ。
Patience has its limits. If you don't stop now, I'm really going to get angry.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses simple vocabulary, but the idiomatic meaning requires understanding the metaphor of a Buddha's patience.
仏
ほとけ / hotoke
Buddha; a merciful person
顔
かお / kao
face
三度
さんど / sando
three times
Usage Profile
Usage note: Ensure the listener understands it refers to a limit of patience, not literal Buddha statues.
Misread Risk
While 'three times' is in the phrase, it can be used figuratively to mean 'repeatedly' rather than exactly three occurrences.
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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.