Proverb / Kotowaza
一斑を以って全豹を卜す
Inferring the entire nature or state of something based on a small part.
To infer the whole leopard by seeing just one spot
Quick Answer
Inferring the entire nature or state of something based on a small part.
- Literal Image
- To infer the whole leopard by seeing just one spot
- How to Use It
- Used when someone makes a broad judgment based on a minor detail, whether as a way to perceive essence or as a warning against hasty conclusions.
Meaning
To judge or estimate the whole of a situation or object by observing only a single portion. It originates from a Chinese anecdote about trying to guess the entire pattern of a leopard's skin by looking at just one spot (一斑). It can be used both to describe the ability to see the essence of a thing through a small detail and as a warning against drawing broad conclusions from insufficient evidence.
Literal Image
To infer the whole leopard by seeing just one spot
How to Use It
Used when someone makes a broad judgment based on a minor detail, whether as a way to perceive essence or as a warning against hasty conclusions.
Tone
Formal and literary.
Examples
一斑を以って全豹を卜すというように、些細な言動からその人の本質が見えることがある。
As the saying goes about inferring the whole leopard from one spot, sometimes a person's true nature is revealed in their minor words and actions.
一斑を以って全豹を卜すのは危険で、全体を見てから判断すべきだ。
Judging the whole leopard from one spot is dangerous; one should judge only after seeing the entire picture.
部分的な情報で一斑を以って全豹を卜すのは、時に大きな誤りを招く。
To judge the whole leopard based on a single spot using only partial information can sometimes lead to significant mistakes.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses archaic grammar like 'o motte' and the literary verb 'bokusu', combined with sophisticated kanji compounds like 'zenpyo'.
一斑
いっぱん / ippan
one spot; a single pattern
以って
もって / motte
by means of; with
全豹
ぜんぴょう / zenpyo
the whole leopard; the entire skin
卜す
ぼくす / bokusu
to infer; to predict; to divine
Usage Profile
Usage note: This is a sophisticated expression; using it in casual conversation may seem overly stiff or academic.
Misread Risk
Do not assume this always refers to a positive ability to see the truth; it can be used as a warning against jumping to conclusions based on partial information.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
This proverb originates from a Chinese anecdote. It likens judging the whole of a matter from a single portion to trying to guess the entire pattern of a leopard's pelt (全豹) after seeing only one spot (一斑).
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Source Note
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