Proverb / Kotowaza
地獄の一丁目
The first step into a disastrous, irreversible, or terrifying situation.
the first block of Hell
Quick Answer
The first step into a disastrous, irreversible, or terrifying situation.
- Literal Image
- the first block of Hell
- How to Use It
- Used to describe a critical mistake or a fatal first step that leads to irreversible damage, such as casually taking on dangerous debt or passing a harmful law.
Meaning
This expression describes the initial stage of heading toward ruin, death, or severe hardship. It metaphorically represents a point of no return—once someone steps into this stage, they are on a path where only suffering awaits and escape is impossible.
Literal Image
the first block of Hell
How to Use It
Used to describe a critical mistake or a fatal first step that leads to irreversible damage, such as casually taking on dangerous debt or passing a harmful law.
Tone
Cautionary and serious, emphasizing severe consequences.
Examples
軽い気持ちで手を出した借金が、地獄の一丁目になるとは夢にも思わなかった。
I never dreamed that the debt I casually took on would become the first block of Hell.
その法案が通れば、プライバシーの侵害が加速する。まさに地獄の一丁目に足を踏み入れるようなものだ。
If that bill passes, the invasion of privacy will accelerate. It is truly like stepping into the first block of Hell.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The vocabulary is simple and recognizable, but understanding the metaphorical use of a town address for 'Hell' requires some idiomatic context.
地獄
じごく / jigoku
hell
一丁目
いっちょうめ / itchoume
the first block (of a town or district)
Usage Profile
Usage note: This is a strong metaphor; avoid using it for minor everyday mistakes.
Misread Risk
Do not interpret this as a literal physical address; it is purely a metaphor for the beginning of an inescapable disastrous situation.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
The proverb originates from applying the concept of the first address ('1-chome') to the terrifying afterlife world of Hell. It metaphorically describes a desperate boundary line where only suffering awaits and there is no escape. It is a uniquely Japanese expression born from combining Edo period town zoning concepts with Buddhist ideas of hell.
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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.