Proverb / Kotowaza
損して得取れ
Accept a small loss now in order to achieve a much larger gain in the future.
Accept a loss and [then] take the gain.
Quick Answer
Accept a small loss now in order to achieve a much larger gain in the future.
- Literal Image
- Accept a loss and [then] take the gain.
- Closest Equivalent
- Cast a sprat to catch a salmon
- How to Use It
- Used when describing business strategies, personal investments, or social sacrifices where a short-term disadvantage is tolerated for a long-term advantage.
Meaning
This proverb advises against being shortsighted by focusing only on immediate costs or losses. By intentionally accepting a temporary setback or making a strategic investment that seems like a loss, one can secure a more significant benefit or success in the long run.
Literal Image
Accept a loss and [then] take the gain.
Equivalent Proverbs
Cast a sprat to catch a salmon
Uses a similar image of giving up something small for something large.
No pain, no gain
Focuses more on effort than resource loss, but shares the theme of sacrifice for results.
How to Use It
Used when describing business strategies, personal investments, or social sacrifices where a short-term disadvantage is tolerated for a long-term advantage.
Tone
Instructive and strategic.
Examples
今は赤字でも、将来的にシェアを拡大するために、「損して得取れ」の戦略で事業を進めている。
Even if we are in the red now, we are proceeding with a 'lose to gain' strategy to expand our market share in the future.
ここで安売りすれば一時的には損をするが、長い目で見れば顧客が増え、結果的に「損して得取れ」になるだろう。
Selling cheap now will cause a temporary loss, but in the long run, the number of customers will increase, and it will result in 'losing to gain'.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses basic kanji for loss and gain, and the grammar involves a simple -te form followed by an imperative.
損
そん / son
loss, disadvantage
得
とく / toku
profit, gain, advantage
取れ
とれ / tore
take (imperative form)
Usage Profile
Usage note: Ensure the 'gain' is actually foreseeable, as this is a strategic advice rather than a blind hope.
Misread Risk
Do not confuse this with simply losing money; the emphasis is on the intentionality of the loss for a future benefit.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
This expression is believed to have originated as a merchant's lesson, teaching that temporary losses should be permitted if they lead to greater future profits.
Index
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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.