Proverb / Kotowaza
二度あることは三度ある
Things that have occurred twice are likely to happen a third time.
What happens twice happens thrice.
Quick Answer
Things that have occurred twice are likely to happen a third time.
- Literal Image
- What happens twice happens thrice.
- Closest Equivalent
- One loss brings another.
- How to Use It
- Used when something (such as a mistake, a failure, or a mechanical breakdown) has happened twice and one wants to warn that it might happen again, or to justify taking precautions for a third occurrence.
Meaning
This proverb suggests that when a similar event occurs twice in a row, it will repeat for a third time. It reflects the idea that patterns repeat and that occurrences can come in cycles, especially regarding mistakes or accidents.
Literal Image
What happens twice happens thrice.
Equivalent Proverbs
One loss brings another.
Suggests that misfortune tends to repeat.
How to Use It
Used when something (such as a mistake, a failure, or a mechanical breakdown) has happened twice and one wants to warn that it might happen again, or to justify taking precautions for a third occurrence.
Tone
Cautionary.
Examples
同じミスを二回もしてしまった。二度あることは三度あるというから、次こそは気をつけよう。
I made the same mistake twice. They say what happens twice happens thrice, so I will be extra careful next time.
二度あることは三度あるで、三度目の故障に備えて予備の部品を用意しておいた。
Preparing for a third breakdown since what happens twice happens thrice, I have prepared spare parts.
立て続けに遅刻が二回。二度あることは三度あるにならないよう、目覚ましを増やした。
Two late arrivals in a row. I added more alarms so it does not happen a third time.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses simple numbers and the standard 'koto wa' structure, though the phrasing is idiomatic.
二度
にど / nido
twice; two times
三度
さんど / sando
three times
ある
ある / aru
to be; to happen
こと
こと / koto
thing; matter
Usage Profile
Usage note: Can be used for negative events like mistakes or accidents.
Misread Risk
While it literally mentions the number three, the focus is on the tendency for events to repeat in patterns, not just a strict count.
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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.