Proverb / Kotowaza
一騎当千
A person so exceptionally strong or capable that they are a match for a thousand opponents.
One horseman matching a thousand
Quick Answer
A person so exceptionally strong or capable that they are a match for a thousand opponents.
- Literal Image
- One horseman matching a thousand
- How to Use It
- Can be used to describe elite athletes, highly skilled professionals, or exceptionally talented team members.
Meaning
Refers to an individual possessing extraordinary strength, skill, or ability. It originally described a warrior capable of facing a thousand enemies alone and is now used to praise someone's outstanding talent or performance in any field.
Literal Image
One horseman matching a thousand
How to Use It
Can be used to describe elite athletes, highly skilled professionals, or exceptionally talented team members.
Tone
Impressive and praising; used to highlight top-tier talent or heroic performance.
Examples
一騎当千の兵（つわもの）が集まる。
Warriors, each a match for a thousand, are gathering.
彼は一騎当千の働きをした。
He performed as if he were a match for a thousand men.
このチームは一騎当千のメンバー揃いだ。
This team is full of members who are each a match for a thousand.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
While the kanji are relatively simple, the compound is a specific four-character idiom (yojijukugo) encountered in formal or literary contexts.
一騎
いっき / ikki
one horseman; a single cavalryman
当千
とうせん / tosen
matching a thousand
兵
つわもの / tsuwamono
warrior; soldier
Usage Profile
Usage note: It is a high compliment; using it sarcastically can be very mocking.
Misread Risk
Ensure it is used to describe exceptional quality or ability, rather than just referring to a large group of people.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
Derived from the description of a single cavalryman who is powerful enough to face a thousand enemies, signifying an exceptionally strong warrior.
Index
Topics, Situations, and Tags
Topics
Situations
Tags
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.