Proverb / Kotowaza
一挙両得
Achieving two benefits with a single action.
one action, two gains
Quick Answer
Achieving two benefits with a single action.
- Literal Image
- one action, two gains
- Closest Equivalent
- Kill two birds with one stone
- How to Use It
- It is used when a single effort results in multiple positive outcomes, in daily contexts like combining errands with exercise or education with travel.
Meaning
This expression describes the act of gaining two separate advantages or profits from performing just one task. It is synonymous with the concept of killing two birds with one stone, emphasizing efficiency and the dual utility of an action.
Literal Image
one action, two gains
Equivalent Proverbs
Kill two birds with one stone
English equivalent for gaining two benefits from one action.
How to Use It
It is used when a single effort results in multiple positive outcomes, in daily contexts like combining errands with exercise or education with travel.
Tone
A positive and practical expression used in neutral or formal contexts.
Examples
散歩がてら買い物を済ませれば、運動にもなって一挙両得だ。
If I finish my shopping while taking a walk, I get some exercise too—it's killing two birds with one stone.
語学留学は見聞を広めながら語学力もつく、まさに一挙両得だ。
Studying abroad is truly gaining two things at once: you broaden your horizons while improving your language skills.
一挙両得を狙って、仕事と趣味を兼ねた旅に出かけた。
Aiming for a dual benefit, I went on a trip that combined both work and my hobby.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
A four-character compound (yojijukugo) using relatively simple kanji, but with an idiomatic structure.
一挙
いっきょ / ikkyo
one action
両得
りょうとく / ryotoku
obtaining both/two
Usage Profile
Misread Risk
This is a positive term for efficiency; do not use it to describe greedily chasing too many things at once.
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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.