Proverb / Kotowaza
鹿を逐う者は山を見ず
When focused on a single goal, one loses sight of the surroundings or larger context.
One who chases a deer does not look at the mountain
Quick Answer
When focused on a single goal, one loses sight of the surroundings or larger context.
- Literal Image
- One who chases a deer does not look at the mountain
- Closest Equivalent
- Can’t see the forest for the trees
- How to Use It
- Used to warn someone who is becoming narrow-minded or obsessive about a specific target, particularly in contexts like business strategy or personal pursuits.
Meaning
This proverb describes a state where a person is so absorbed in pursuing a specific gain or object that they lose their ability to see the bigger picture. Just as a hunter chasing a deer ignores the majesty of the mountain, someone fixated on immediate profit or a single task may overlook crucial strategy, quality, or the needs of others. It serves as a reminder to maintain perspective even when focused on a goal.
Literal Image
One who chases a deer does not look at the mountain
Equivalent Proverbs
Can’t see the forest for the trees
Similar focus on missing the whole while obsessing over a part.
To be blind to everything else
Describes total fixation on one object.
How to Use It
Used to warn someone who is becoming narrow-minded or obsessive about a specific target, particularly in contexts like business strategy or personal pursuits.
Tone
Cautionary and moralizing.
Examples
利益ばかり追って品質を疎かにするのは、鹿を逐う者は山を見ずだ。
Neglecting quality for the sake of profit is a classic case of chasing the deer but missing the mountain.
目先の数字に囚われて全体戦略を見失うな。鹿を逐う者は山を見ずになるぞ。
Don't lose sight of the overall strategy by obsessing over immediate numbers; you'll end up losing the mountain for the deer.
鹿を逐う者は山を見ずにならないよう、時には立ち止まって俯瞰することが大切だ。
It is important to stop and take a bird's-eye view occasionally so that you don't become someone who chases the deer but misses the mountain.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses the classical 'mizu' (not see) negation and literary vocabulary like 'ou' (pursue), though the core meaning is straightforward.
鹿
しか / shika
deer
逐う
おう / ou
to chase; to pursue
山
やま / yama
mountain
見ず
みず / mizu
not looking; not seeing
Usage Profile
Misread Risk
Do not interpret this as a literal hunting tip; it is a metaphor for mental focus and narrow-mindedness.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
The expression originates from the Chinese classic 'Huainanzi' (Shuolinxun section), which states: 'One who chases a beast, their eyes do not see the great mountain,' explaining that when one's desires are focused externally, their clarity of vision is obscured.
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Where did this entry get its data from? The reference links are listed below. To understand how to read this section, see Data Sources.