Proverb / Kotowaza
一気呵成
To complete a task or a piece of writing in one continuous effort without stopping.
To complete something in one breath, like blowing on a frozen brush to write all at once.
Quick Answer
To complete a task or a piece of writing in one continuous effort without stopping.
- Literal Image
- To complete something in one breath, like blowing on a frozen brush to write all at once.
- How to Use It
- This expression is used when describing the completion of work, the writing of a long document, or pressing an advantage in a competition or battle.
Meaning
Originally used to describe the act of writing an entire text in a single breath. Today, it more refers to accomplishing any task, project, or offensive action swiftly and without interruption from start to finish.
Literal Image
To complete something in one breath, like blowing on a frozen brush to write all at once.
How to Use It
This expression is used when describing the completion of work, the writing of a long document, or pressing an advantage in a competition or battle.
Tone
Neutral to positive; it conveys a sense of momentum and decisive action.
Examples
溜まっていた仕事を一気呵成に片付けた。
I finished up all the accumulated work in one go.
この勢いに乗って、一気呵成に攻め込もう。
Let's ride this momentum and launch our attack all at once.
論文を一気呵成に書き上げた。
I wrote the entire thesis in one sitting.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
This is a four-character idiom (yojijukugo) featuring less basic kanji, encountered in literary or formal contexts.
一気
いっき / ikki
one breath; in one go
呵
か / ka
to blow breath on (to warm)
成
せい / sei
to complete; to finish
Usage Profile
Usage note: Ensure the context implies a continuous effort from start to finish, rather than just doing something quickly.
Misread Risk
The focus is on the lack of interruption; do not use it if the task was completed quickly but with several breaks.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
The term comes from the image of a writer blowing their warm breath (呵) on a frozen brush to melt the ink and then writing a complete text in one continuous effort (一気) until it is finished (成).
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