Proverb / Kotowaza
一念発起
Firmly resolving to achieve something through a strong, single-minded determination.
Awakening a single-minded thought
Quick Answer
Firmly resolving to achieve something through a strong, single-minded determination.
- Literal Image
- Awakening a single-minded thought
- How to Use It
- Use this when someone makes a life-changing decision or starts a serious endeavor with strong motivation.
Meaning
To make a firm and serious decision to accomplish a goal. This expression describes the moment of mental awakening when one commits wholeheartedly to a new path or objective. It refers to a significant life change or a determined start to a challenging task.
Literal Image
Awakening a single-minded thought
How to Use It
Use this when someone makes a life-changing decision or starts a serious endeavor with strong motivation.
Tone
Positively charged and determined.
Examples
一念発起して、四十歳から大学に通い始めた。
With a firm resolution, I started attending university at the age of forty.
一念発起してダイエットを始め、半年で十キロ痩せた。
I made a firm decision to go on a diet and lost ten kilograms in six months.
一念発起して独立を決意し、自分の会社を立ち上げた。
Having made a firm resolution to become independent, I started my own company.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
While the kanji are relatively simple, it is a four-character compound (yojijukugo) with specific Buddhist terminology origins.
一念
いちねん / ichinen
a single-minded thought; determined intent
発起
ほっき / hokki
resolution; awakening a thought/desire
成し遂げる
なしとげる / nashitogeru
to accomplish; to achieve
Usage Profile
Misread Risk
Do not use this for minor daily choices; it implies a significant or firm mental shift towards a goal.
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Origin
This expression originates from Buddhist terminology. 'Ichinen' (一念) refers to a single-minded thought or focused intent, while 'Hokki' (発起) refers to setting a goal or awakening the heart. It originally described the firm decision to enter the Buddhist path and seek enlightenment. This meaning later broadened to describe any firm resolution to achieve a specific goal.
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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.