Meaning
It's difficult to see what's close to you, or one overlooks obvious things.
Cultural Background
The 'Todai' in this phrase is often misunderstood by modern Japanese people as a lighthouse. Historically, it refers to the 'shokudai' or oil lamp stand used in traditional Japanese homes. This proverb appears frequently in mystery novels (like Edogawa Ranpo or Detective Conan) to explain why a culprit was overlooked despite being a close acquaintance. Children learn this proverb early on to teach them that solutions to problems are often found by looking at one's own surroundings rather than blaming others or looking far away. In anime, characters often shout this phrase when they realize they've been tricked by something obvious, adding a comedic effect to their realization.
Use it for self-correction
It sounds very humble and charming when you use it to describe your own silly mistakes.
Don't say 'Kurai'
Stick to 'Kurashi' to keep the proverb's traditional feel. 'Kurai' sounds like you're just describing the light.
Meaning
It's difficult to see what's close to you, or one overlooks obvious things.
Use it for self-correction
It sounds very humble and charming when you use it to describe your own silly mistakes.
Don't say 'Kurai'
Stick to 'Kurashi' to keep the proverb's traditional feel. 'Kurai' sounds like you're just describing the light.
Mystery Genre
If you watch Japanese detective shows, listen for this phrase—it's a huge trope!
Test Yourself
Choose the correct situation to use {灯台下暗|とうだいもとくら}し.
Which of these scenarios fits the proverb?
Talking on the phone while looking for it is the perfect example of missing something that is literally in your hand.
Complete the proverb.
{灯台|とうだい}( ) ( )し
The correct reading and kanji are {下|もと} (base) and {暗|くら}し (is dark).
Fill in the blank in the dialogue.
A: {鍵|かぎ}がない！どこ！？ B: {君|きみ}の{手|て}に{持|も}ってるよ。 A: あ、本当だ。( )だね。
{灯台下暗|とうだいもとくら}し is used when you find something you were looking for right in your hand.
Match the proverb to the meaning.
Match {灯台下暗|とうだいもとくら}し with its figurative meaning.
The proverb refers to the irony of missing nearby things.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesWhich of these scenarios fits the proverb?
Talking on the phone while looking for it is the perfect example of missing something that is literally in your hand.
{灯台|とうだい}( ) ( )し
The correct reading and kanji are {下|もと} (base) and {暗|くら}し (is dark).
A: {鍵|かぎ}がない！どこ！？ B: {君|きみ}の{手|て}に{持|も}ってるよ。 A: あ、本当だ。( )だね。
{灯台下暗|とうだいもとくら}し is used when you find something you were looking for right in your hand.
Match {灯台下暗|とうだいもとくら}し with its figurative meaning.
The proverb refers to the irony of missing nearby things.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsIn modern Japanese, yes. But in this proverb, it refers to an old oil lamp stand. The meaning works for both, though!
It's generally safe if the boss made a lighthearted mistake, but use 'Todai moto kurashi desu ne' to be polite.
It's a remnant of classical Japanese grammar. Proverbs often preserve older forms of the language.
Yes! If you realize your best friend is actually your soulmate, that's a perfect use of the phrase.
Related Phrases
{岡目八目|おかめはちもく}
similarA bystander sees more than the players.
{目|め}と{鼻|はな}の{先|さき}
similarRight under one's nose (very close).
{足元|あしもと}を{掬|すく}われる
similarTo have the rug pulled out from under you.
{秘事|ひじ}はまつげの{如|ごと}し
similarSecrets are like eyelashes.
