Proverb / Kotowaza
焼け石に水
A small amount of effort or aid that is completely ineffective against a large problem.
Water on a hot stone
Quick Answer
A small amount of effort or aid that is completely ineffective against a large problem.
- Literal Image
- Water on a hot stone
- How to Use It
- Used to describe situations where help, money, or effort is provided, but the scale of the problem is so vast that the contribution is negligible.
Meaning
This expression comes from the image of pouring a tiny bit of water onto a scorching hot rock. The water evaporates instantly without cooling the stone down at all, symbolizing how insufficient resources or minor efforts fail to make a meaningful difference when facing a significant challenge.
Literal Image
Water on a hot stone
How to Use It
Used to describe situations where help, money, or effort is provided, but the scale of the problem is so vast that the contribution is negligible.
Tone
Carries a sense of futility, realism, or a critical assessment of insufficient measures.
Examples
この程度の節約では焼け石に水で、赤字は到底解消できない。
With this small amount of savings, it is like water on a hot stone; there is no way we can eliminate the deficit.
焼け石に水かもしれないが、やらないよりはましだ。
It might be like water on a hot stone, but it is better than doing nothing at all.
少額の寄付では焼け石に水だと分かっていても、何もしないよりは良い。
Even knowing that a small donation is just water on a hot stone, it is better than not doing anything.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The kanji and individual words are relatively simple, but understanding the metaphorical application is key for learners.
焼け石
やけいし / yakeishi
heated stone; scorching hot stone
水
みず / mizu
water
Usage Profile
Usage note: Using this to describe someone else's sincere effort might sound dismissive or pessimistic.
Misread Risk
It does not just mean 'very little water'; it specifically emphasizes that the amount is useless relative to the heat or size of the problem.
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Origin
The expression is derived from the physical observation that pouring a small amount of water on a stone that has been heated in a fire results in immediate evaporation. Because the water vanishes instantly without lowering the temperature of the stone, it became a metaphor for efforts or help that produce no results.
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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.