Meaning
If you are prepared, you will have no worries.
Cultural Background
The proverb is a cornerstone of 'Bousai' (disaster prevention) culture. Every September 1st is 'Disaster Prevention Day,' where this phrase is seen everywhere. In Japanese companies, 'Dandori' (preparation) is often more valued than the final speed of execution. Being 'unprepared' is seen as a sign of disrespect to colleagues. The proverb echoes the 'Bushido' spirit of constant readiness. A samurai was expected to be ready for death or battle at any moment. In the IT world in Japan, this phrase is used for server redundancy and data backups. It's the 'Golden Rule' for system engineers.
Use it to sound wise
Using this proverb in a business meeting when you've done extra research will make you look very professional and culturally aware.
Don't change the ending
Never say 'urei nai.' It must be 'urei nashi' to remain a proverb.
Meaning
If you are prepared, you will have no worries.
Use it to sound wise
Using this proverb in a business meeting when you've done extra research will make you look very professional and culturally aware.
Don't change the ending
Never say 'urei nai.' It must be 'urei nashi' to remain a proverb.
The 'So-Are' shortcut
In very casual settings, people sometimes just say 'Sonae-areba...' and let the listener finish the thought.
Test Yourself
Complete the proverb with the correct classical form.
{備|そな}えあれば{憂|うれ}い____。
The proverb always ends with the classical 'なし' (nashi).
Which situation best fits the proverb '{備|そな}えあれば{憂|うれ}いなし'?
Choose the best scenario:
The proverb is about preparing early to avoid future worry.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: {雨|あめ}が{降|ふ}るかもしれないから、カッパも{持|も}っていこう。 B: そうだね。____________________。
The speaker is agreeing that preparation is a good idea.
What does '{憂|うれ}い' mean in this proverb?
Select the correct meaning:
'Urei' refers to the grief or anxiety one feels when things go wrong.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises{備|そな}えあれば{憂|うれ}い____。
The proverb always ends with the classical 'なし' (nashi).
Choose the best scenario:
The proverb is about preparing early to avoid future worry.
A: {雨|あめ}が{降|ふ}るかもしれないから、カッパも{持|も}っていこう。 B: そうだね。____________________。
The speaker is agreeing that preparation is a good idea.
Select the correct meaning:
'Urei' refers to the grief or anxiety one feels when things go wrong.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsOnly in proverbs, set phrases, or very formal/literary writing. In daily life, we use 'nai'.
Yes! It's actually very appropriate for business as it shows you value preparation.
'Shinpai' is common worry. 'Urei' is a deeper, more literary word for grief or anxiety.
No, it's a secular proverb based on Confucian philosophy from China.
Related Phrases
{転|ころ}ばぬ{先|先}の{杖|つえ}
synonymA cane before you fall.
{念|ねん}には{念|ねん}を{入|い}れる
similarTo be doubly sure.
{石橋|いしばし}を{叩|たた}いて{渡|わた}る
similarTapping a stone bridge before crossing.
{泥棒|どろぼう}を{見|み}て{縄|なわ}を{な|な}う
contrastMaking a rope only after seeing the thief.
