Proverb / Kotowaza
蛇は寸にして人を呑む
Those destined for greatness show signs of their extraordinary potential from early childhood.
Even when an inch long, a snake is ready to swallow a man.
Quick Answer
Those destined for greatness show signs of their extraordinary potential from early childhood.
- Literal Image
- Even when an inch long, a snake is ready to swallow a man.
- Closest Equivalent
- The child is father of the man.
- How to Use It
- Used to express admiration for a child or young person who demonstrates remarkable talent, presence, or potential.
Meaning
This proverb suggests that exceptional people reveal their undeniable qualities and potential even when they are children. Just as a tiny snake is metaphorically said to already possess a fierce nature capable of swallowing a person, a future leader or great figure exhibits glimpses of their future stature early on.
Literal Image
Even when an inch long, a snake is ready to swallow a man.
Equivalent Proverbs
The child is father of the man.
Expresses that a person's adult character is shaped by their childhood, though less focused purely on future greatness.
How to Use It
Used to express admiration for a child or young person who demonstrates remarkable talent, presence, or potential.
Tone
Admiring, praising.
Examples
幼い頃から堂々とした態度で周囲を圧倒していた彼は、まさに「蛇は寸にして人を呑む」という言葉通りの人物だった。
Having overwhelmed everyone with his dignified attitude since he was little, he was exactly the kind of person described by the phrase 'a snake can swallow a man even at an inch long'.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses the classical pattern '...ni shite' and the less basic kanji '呑' for swallowing.
蛇
じゃ / ja
snake
寸
すん / sun
traditional Japanese unit of measurement, roughly equivalent to an inch
呑む
のむ / nomu
to swallow whole, to engulf
Usage Profile
Usage note: Mostly applied to significant achievements or traits, not minor talents.
Misread Risk
Do not interpret literally as a statement about animal behavior or physical size.
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Origin
This expression comes from the metaphor that a snake, even when it is just a tiny fraction of its size (a 'sun'), possesses a fierce disposition capable of swallowing a person whole. This illustrates the idea that people who will achieve greatness display signs of their extraordinary potential from early childhood.
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