Proverb / Kotowaza
唯唯諾諾
Obediently following others' orders or wishes without any resistance.
Saying 'yes' and 'alright' repeatedly
Quick Answer
Obediently following others' orders or wishes without any resistance.
- Literal Image
- Saying 'yes' and 'alright' repeatedly
- How to Use It
- Used to describe someone who is overly submissive or blindly follows authority, such as a boss or a powerful leader, without speaking up.
Meaning
Describing a state where one submissively agrees to whatever someone else says, regardless of whether it is right or wrong. It implies a lack of one's own opinion or the courage to disagree, portraying someone as a 'yes-man'.
Literal Image
Saying 'yes' and 'alright' repeatedly
How to Use It
Used to describe someone who is overly submissive or blindly follows authority, such as a boss or a powerful leader, without speaking up.
Tone
Critical or disapproving
Examples
彼は上司の命令に唯唯諾諾と従うばかりで、自分の意見がない。
He just follows his boss's orders blindly and has no opinions of his own.
何でも唯唯諾諾と引き受けていると、都合よく使われるだけだ。
If you accept everything submissively, you will only be used for others' convenience.
かつての権力者に唯唯諾諾としていた人々が、一斉に離れていった。
The people who were submissive to the former person in power all left at once.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
A four-character compound using less basic kanji and readings, expressing a specific behavioral nuance.
唯
い / i
yes; response
諾
だく / daku
consent; yes
Usage Profile
Usage note: This is a critical term and should not be used to describe oneself or someone you intend to respect.
Misread Risk
Do not use this to mean simple politeness or cooperation; it specifically denotes a spineless lack of autonomy.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
The characters '唯' (i) and '諾' (daku) both mean 'yes' or 'to answer affirmatively'. By doubling these words of agreement, the expression portrays a state of constant, mindless submissiveness where one simply repeats 'yes' to whatever is said.
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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.