Proverb / Kotowaza
二兎を追う者は一兎をも得ず
Attempting to achieve two different goals at the same time can result in failing to achieve either of them.
One who chases two rabbits does not obtain even one rabbit
Quick Answer
Attempting to achieve two different goals at the same time can result in failing to achieve either of them.
- Literal Image
- One who chases two rabbits does not obtain even one rabbit
- Closest Equivalent
- If you run after two hares, you will catch neither
- How to Use It
- Used when advising someone to focus on one task or goal rather than splitting their attention between multiple competing priorities.
Meaning
This proverb serves as a warning against being overly greedy or trying to accomplish too many things simultaneously. It suggests that by dividing your focus, you risk losing everything, and that it is better to concentrate on a single objective until it is successfully completed.
Literal Image
One who chases two rabbits does not obtain even one rabbit
Equivalent Proverbs
If you run after two hares, you will catch neither
A direct Western equivalent using the same imagery.
How to Use It
Used when advising someone to focus on one task or goal rather than splitting their attention between multiple competing priorities.
Tone
Instructive and cautionary.
Examples
二兎を追う者は一兎をも得ずだ。まずは一つのことに集中しよう。
One who chases two rabbits catches neither. Let's focus on one thing first.
二兎を追う者は一兎をも得ずと言うから、転職先は慎重に一つに絞るべきだ。
They say that if you chase two rabbits you'll catch neither, so you should carefully narrow down your next job to just one.
二兎を追う者は一兎をも得ずにならないよう、優先順位をはっきりさせよう。
Let's clarify our priorities so that we don't end up chasing two rabbits and catching none.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
While the vocabulary for 'rabbits' and 'chasing' is accessible, the classical 'ezu' negation and the overall phrase length are typical of intermediate study.
二兎
にと / nito
two rabbits
追う
おう / ou
to chase; to pursue
者
もの / mono
person
得ず
えず / ezu
does not obtain (classical negative)
Usage Profile
Usage note: Ensure it is used to advise focus, rather than simply discouraging ambition.
Misread Risk
Do not confuse this with 'one stone, two birds'; this proverb describes the failure of multitasking or greed, not its success.
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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.