Meaning
Fortune will come in due course if one waits patiently.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Kaho' reflects the Buddhist belief in karma, where every action has a reaction. This makes the proverb feel more 'destined' than 'lucky.' In Japanese companies, 'waiting' is often a strategic move. Rushing a decision is seen as a sign of weakness or lack of maturity. During 'Juken' (exam season), this phrase is frequently used by parents to calm their stressed children after the exams are over. On Japanese Twitter, users use the hashtag #果報は寝て待て when waiting for gacha results in mobile games or lottery tickets.
Use it for others
It sounds very wise and comforting when you say it to a friend who is stressed about results.
Don't be lazy
Remember that 'Kaho' is the result of action. No action = no Kaho.
Meaning
Fortune will come in due course if one waits patiently.
Use it for others
It sounds very wise and comforting when you say it to a friend who is stressed about results.
Don't be lazy
Remember that 'Kaho' is the result of action. No action = no Kaho.
The 'Mate' form
Even though it's a command, it's used as a gentle suggestion in this proverb.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing kanji for the proverb.
{果報|かほう}は（ ）て{待|ま}て。
The proverb is '{果報|かほう}は{寝|ね}て{待|ま}て' (Sleep and wait).
In which situation is it MOST appropriate to use this phrase?
Choose the best situation:
The phrase is used after the effort is complete.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {明日|あした}の{試合|しあい}、{勝|か}てるかな？すごく{不安|ふあん}だよ。 B: {練習|れんしゅう}はたくさんしたんだから、（ ）。
B is comforting A by saying they've done the work and should now be patient.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercises{果報|かほう}は（ ）て{待|ま}て。
The proverb is '{果報|かほう}は{寝|ね}て{待|ま}て' (Sleep and wait).
Choose the best situation:
The phrase is used after the effort is complete.
A: {明日|あした}の{試合|しあい}、{勝|か}てるかな？すごく{不安|ふあん}だよ。 B: {練習|れんしゅう}はたくさんしたんだから、（ ）。
B is comforting A by saying they've done the work and should now be patient.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNot at all! It's still very common in daily conversation, anime, and business.
No, 'Kaho' specifically refers to good fortune or rewards.
In the context of a proverb, it's perfectly acceptable and doesn't sound like a harsh command.
Then the proverb doesn't apply. You're just 'sleeping,' not waiting for 'Kaho.'
Related Phrases
{人|じん}{事|じ}を{尽|つ}くして{天命|てんめい}を{待|ま}つ
synonymDo your best and leave the rest to fate.
{待|ま}てば{海路|かいろ}の{日和|ひより}あり
similarIf you wait, fair weather for sailing will come.
{石|いし}の{上|うえ}にも{三|三}{年|ねん}
builds onPerseverance prevails.
{棚|たな}から{牡丹餅|ぼたもち}
contrastA windfall; luck without effort.
