Kotowaza 2: Japanese Proverbs

Isseki nicho is a symbolic reference to indicate the extreme situation of favourable results beyond one's expectation... Even killing one bird takes a lot of effort with just one throw of astone, since birds are matched with superior instincts and are naturally equipped with skills of self-preservation.

Used carefully, this kotowaza can be a powerful language ally that is impressive to native Japanese ears. Try using this phrase when you get the chance and impress your Japanese friends.

Use this phrase when you want to communicate that multitasking is a "good thing" in your book. Killing two birds with one stone or isseki nicho bears the same meaning in both Japanese and English. So anytime you can get 2 for one, that will also be isseki nicho

When a kotowaza is used by foreigners or speakers of Japansese as a foreign language appropriately it has magical word power that isn't available with just any verb or noun combination. Since kotowaza are very old and so well known, when a foreigner uses a kotowaza appropriately, it is as if that person is wise for saying it. Try it!

i sseki ni cho - breakdown
1 seki 2 cho
seki - stone
cho - bird

i is the stem of the number ichi, or 1
seki is another reading for the kanji for stone of ishi (rock)
so 1 stone is isseki
ni is the number 2
cho is another reading for the kanji for tori or bird

As always,
Ganbatte Ne!
Do Your Best!
Makurasuki