Proverb / Kotowaza
果報は寝て待て
Good luck comes naturally in its own time, so wait patiently without rushing.
Wait for good fortune while sleeping
Quick Answer
Good luck comes naturally in its own time, so wait patiently without rushing.
- Literal Image
- Wait for good fortune while sleeping
- Closest Equivalent
- Everything comes to those who wait
- How to Use It
- Used to encourage someone to stop being anxious after they have finished a task and are waiting for the result. It is suitable for situations like waiting for exam results, job interview outcomes, or the recovery of an investment.
Meaning
This proverb suggests that fortune will arrive naturally when the time is right, so it is best to remain calm and patient. It can be used to emphasize that once you have done everything in your power, rushing or worrying will not change the outcome; one should simply wait for good news to unfold.
Literal Image
Wait for good fortune while sleeping
Equivalent Proverbs
Everything comes to those who wait
An English equivalent for patience bringing rewards.
The net of the sleeper catches fish
A more literal image of good things happening while one is at rest.
How to Use It
Used to encourage someone to stop being anxious after they have finished a task and are waiting for the result. It is suitable for situations like waiting for exam results, job interview outcomes, or the recovery of an investment.
Tone
Reassuring and positive.
Examples
やれるだけのことはやった。あとは果報は寝て待ての精神で結果を待とう。
I've done all I can. Now, I'll just wait for the results with the spirit of 'good things come to those who wait'.
面接の手応えはあったから、果報は寝て待てだ。
The interview felt successful, so now I'll just wait patiently for the good news.
焦っても仕方がない。果報は寝て待てというように、じっくり構えよう。
There's no use in rushing. As they say, 'wait for good luck in your sleep'—let's just take it slow and steady.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses accessible vocabulary and the simple imperative form 'mate', making the core message easy to grasp for intermediate learners.
果報
かほう / kaho
good fortune; reward for good deeds
寝て
ねて / nete
sleeping; lying down
待て
まて / mate
wait (imperative form of matsu)
Usage Profile
Usage note: While it encourages patience, it is applied only after one has already put in the necessary effort.
Misread Risk
Ensure you don't use this as an excuse for laziness; it implies waiting for results after your part of the work is complete.
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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.