Proverb / Kotowaza
氷山の一角
Visible matters represent only a small fraction of the whole.
one corner of an iceberg
Quick Answer
Visible matters represent only a small fraction of the whole.
- Literal Image
- one corner of an iceberg
- How to Use It
- Used when discussing problems, scandals, or hidden talents where the scale of the full situation is likely much greater than what has been revealed.
Meaning
This expression describes a situation where what is seen is just a tiny part of a much larger reality that remains hidden. It likens the situation to an iceberg, where only a small tip is above the surface while the vast majority remains submerged underwater.
Literal Image
one corner of an iceberg
How to Use It
Used when discussing problems, scandals, or hidden talents where the scale of the full situation is likely much greater than what has been revealed.
Tone
Neutral to cautionary.
Examples
今回発覚した不正は、組織ぐるみの問題の氷山の一角にすぎない。
The corruption discovered this time is just the tip of the iceberg of systemic organizational issues.
ニュースで報道されている被害は、氷山の一角だろう。
The damage reported in the news is likely only the tip of the iceberg.
彼の才能の豊かさは、まだ氷山の一角しか見えていない。
Only the tip of the iceberg of his vast talent has been revealed so far.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
While the concept is familiar, the vocabulary for iceberg and corner consists of intermediate kanji.
氷山
ひょうざん / hyouzan
iceberg
一角
いっかく / ikkaku
one corner; a part
Usage Profile
Usage note: Primarily used for negative contexts like scandals, though it can describe hidden potential.
Misread Risk
Do not assume the expression only applies to negative situations, as it can occasionally describe positive hidden depths.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
The expression comes from the physical nature of an iceberg, where only a small portion is visible above the sea surface while the vast majority remains submerged. This physical reality is used as a metaphor to show that what is seen is only a tiny part of the whole.
Index
Topics, Situations, and Tags
Topics
Situations
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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.