Proverb / Kotowaza
百害あって一利なし
There is only harm and no benefit whatsoever.
One hundred harms and not one benefit
Quick Answer
There is only harm and no benefit whatsoever.
- Literal Image
- One hundred harms and not one benefit
- How to Use It
- Used when criticizing harmful habits or negative behaviors, such as smoking or gambling, to point out that they have no merit.
Meaning
This expression describes a situation, habit, or action that brings many negative consequences without providing a single advantage. It is used to emphasize that something is entirely detrimental and lacks any redeeming quality.
Literal Image
One hundred harms and not one benefit
How to Use It
Used when criticizing harmful habits or negative behaviors, such as smoking or gambling, to point out that they have no merit.
Tone
Can be used in a critical or cautionary tone to warn against or condemn harmful actions.
Examples
タバコは、百害あって一利なしとはよく言ったもので、健康に悪影響しかない。
People say that smoking has a hundred harms and not one benefit; it only has a negative impact on health.
ギャンブルは、百害あって一利なしだ。身を滅ぼす前にやめておいた方がいい。
Gambling brings a hundred harms and not a single benefit. You should stop before you ruin yourself.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
While the individual kanji for 'harm' and 'benefit' are straightforward, the length of the phrase and its idiomatic nature make it more complex.
百害
ひゃくがい / hyakugai
one hundred harms; many evils
一利
いちり / ichiri
one benefit; a single advantage
なし
nashi
none; non-existent
Usage Profile
Usage note: This is a very strong statement; use it only when something is truly viewed as having no redeeming qualities.
Misread Risk
The number 'one hundred' is metaphorical for 'many,' not a literal count of 100 specific harms.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
The exact origin of this phrase is unclear, though it is known to have been used since the Edo period.
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.