Proverb / Kotowaza
韋編三度絶つ
Reading a book many times until it is thoroughly mastered.
The leather bindings breaking three times
Quick Answer
Reading a book many times until it is thoroughly mastered.
- Literal Image
- The leather bindings breaking three times
- How to Use It
- Used to describe someone's exceptional diligence in studying or to emphasize the importance of rereading a text to grasp its true essence.
Meaning
This expression describes the act of reading a book repeatedly and with great intensity. It serves as a metaphor for the dedication and thoroughness required to truly understand and master the contents of a text.
Literal Image
The leather bindings breaking three times
How to Use It
Used to describe someone's exceptional diligence in studying or to emphasize the importance of rereading a text to grasp its true essence.
Tone
Literary and academic; it can be used as a motto for lifelong learning or to praise scholarly effort.
Examples
韋編三度絶つほどに繰り返し読んでこそ、古典の真髄は理解できるものだ。
It is only by reading repeatedly, to the point where the leather bindings break three times, that one can understand the true essence of the classics.
彼の勉強ぶりはまさに韋編三度絶つで、教科書がボロボロになるまで読み込んでいた。
His way of studying was truly like 'the leather bindings breaking three times'; he read his textbook until it was falling apart.
韋編三度絶つの精神で、何度でも読み返して理解を深めたい。
In the spirit of reading until the bindings break, I want to reread this many times to deepen my understanding.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The expression uses the rare kanji '韋' (tanned leather) and the classical reading 'mitabi' for 'three times,' which is not in everyday speech.
韋編
いへん / ihen
leather book binding
三度
みたび / mitabi
three times (classical)
絶つ
たつ / tatsu
to break or sever
Usage Profile
Usage note: This is a formal and historical expression; using it in very casual conversation might seem overly academic.
Misread Risk
It should not be used to describe simple repetition, but rather a deep, exhaustive reading that leaves the reader with total mastery.
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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.