次も その次も その次もまだ目的地じゃない in 30 Seconds
- Emphasizes that a goal or destination is far away by repeating 'next' (tsugi) with the particle 'mo' (also).
- Used in physical travel and metaphorical journeys like career paths or personal growth to show persistence.
- Creates a rhythmic, dramatic effect that highlights the scale of the distance or the effort required.
- Common in anime, literature, and motivational contexts to express a 'never-ending' or 'long-haul' mindset.
The phrase 次も その次も その次もまだ目的地じゃない (Tsugi mo, sono tsugi mo, sono tsugi mo mada mokutekichi janai) is a highly evocative and rhythmic Japanese expression used to emphasize that a goal or destination is still far in the distance. Literally translating to "The next [one] too, and the one after that too, and the one after that too, is still not the destination," it utilizes the power of repetition to create a sense of scale, endurance, and perhaps a touch of dramatic fatigue or unwavering determination. In Japanese communication, repetition is a common rhetorical device used to add emotional weight that a simple adjective like 'far' (tooi) cannot convey on its own. This specific phrase is often employed when someone is describing a long journey, whether physical, professional, or spiritual, where multiple milestones must be passed before the true objective is reached.
- Core Nuance
- The repetition of 'tsugi' (next) coupled with the inclusive particle 'mo' (also/too) builds a cumulative effect, suggesting that the speaker has already considered several upcoming points and found them all lacking as a final stop.
人生の旅において、今の成功に満足してはいけない。次も その次も その次もまだ目的地じゃないのだから。
This expression is particularly common in narrative contexts, such as travelogues, motivational speeches, or song lyrics, where the speaker wants to paint a picture of an endless horizon. It captures the psychological state of looking past the immediate future toward a much more distant horizon. In a physical sense, you might hear this from a weary traveler looking at a map of train stations, realizing that their stop is still many miles away. Metaphorically, it is used by ambitious individuals who view every achievement not as an end, but as a mere stepping stone. The use of 'mada' (still/yet) at the end reinforces the ongoing nature of the state, while 'janai' (is not) provides a definitive negation of the immediate options as the final goal.
この駅で降りるの？ いや、次も その次も その次もまだ目的地じゃないよ。
- Grammatical Breakdown
- 'Tsugi' (Next) + 'Mo' (Also) + 'Sono Tsugi' (The next of that) + 'Mada' (Still) + 'Mokutekichi' (Destination) + 'Janai' (Is not).
Culturally, this phrase resonates with the Japanese value of 'continuous improvement' or 'long-term vision.' It suggests that one should not be easily satisfied or distracted by early milestones. It is a linguistic representation of the 'long game.' When you use this phrase, you are signaling to your listener that your sights are set much higher or much further than what is currently visible. It transforms a simple statement of distance into a philosophical stance on persistence and the nature of progress.
Using 次も その次も その次もまだ目的地じゃない effectively requires an understanding of its inherent drama and emphasis. Because it is a longer, repetitive phrase, it is rarely used for simple, mundane directions. Instead, it is used to highlight the vastness of a journey or the depth of one's ambition. When constructing sentences with this phrase, it often stands alone as a powerful statement or functions as a subordinate clause explaining why one is continuing their efforts. It is grammatically flexible but stylistically specific.
- Usage Context: Ambition
- When talking about career goals, you can use this to show that you aren't stopping at the next promotion. It shows a relentless drive.
課長になることがゴールじゃない。次も その次も その次もまだ目的地じゃない。私は社長を目指している。
In terms of grammar, the phrase uses the 'A mo B mo C mo' pattern, which is the Japanese equivalent of 'A, B, and C as well.' This structure is used to group multiple items under a single negative or positive conclusion. Here, the conclusion is 'mada mokutekichi janai' (is not yet the destination). Note that 'sono tsugi' literally means 'the next of that,' which creates a chain-link effect in the listener's mind, moving them step-by-step further away from the present moment. This chain-link structure is what gives the phrase its unique 'zooming out' feeling.
地図を見ると、次も その次も その次もまだ目的地じゃないことがわかって、少し絶望した。
- Usage Context: Physical Distance
- Used when navigating complex transit systems or long hiking trails to emphasize the number of intermediate points remaining.
When using this phrase in writing, it is common to see spaces or even punctuation (like commas or dots) between the repeated elements to slow the reader down and mimic the spoken rhythm. In formal writing, you might change 'janai' to 'dewa arimasen' or 'dewa nai' to match the register, but the core repetitive structure remains the same. It is a versatile tool for any intermediate learner looking to express complex feelings about time, distance, and perseverance in a way that sounds natural and sophisticated.
You are most likely to encounter 次も その次も その次もまだ目的地じゃない in media that focuses on journeys, personal growth, or epic storytelling. It is a favorite of scriptwriters for anime and manga, particularly in the 'shonen' genre where the protagonist is constantly striving for a distant, seemingly unreachable goal. In these contexts, the phrase serves as a powerful monologue piece, highlighting the hero's resolve to keep moving forward despite the long road ahead. It encapsulates the 'never give up' spirit that is central to many Japanese narratives.
- Anime and Manga
- Often used by characters who are traveling across a vast world (like in 'One Piece' or 'Kino's Journey') to describe the scale of their adventure.
「まだ着かないの？」「ああ、次も その次も その次もまだ目的地じゃないんだ。覚悟しろよ。」
Beyond fiction, this phrase appears in motivational literature and 'self-help' books in Japan. Authors use it to remind readers that success is a process, not a single point in time. It encourages a mindset of 'kaizen' (continuous improvement), where one is always looking toward the next horizon rather than resting on current laurels. In this sense, the 'destination' becomes a moving target, and the phrase becomes a mantra for lifelong learning and growth. You might also hear it in travel documentaries or podcasts where the narrator is describing a particularly long and winding route through the Japanese countryside or a foreign land.
歌詞：次も その次も その次もまだ目的地じゃない。僕らの旅は終わらない。
- Daily Life
- While less common in everyday small talk, it is used when someone is explaining a complicated multi-step process, like a long series of medical treatments or a complex legal procedure.
Finally, you might hear this in the context of Japanese 'train culture.' Japan's extensive and sometimes confusing rail networks often lead to situations where one must pass dozens of stations. Commuters might use a shortened or slightly modified version of this phrase to express the length of their daily trek. Whether in the literal sense of a train ride or the metaphorical sense of a life's work, the phrase resonates because it speaks to the universal human experience of the 'long haul' and the patience required to see a journey through to its true end.
While the phrase 次も その次も その次もまだ目的地じゃない is grammatically straightforward, learners often make mistakes in its rhythmic delivery or its pragmatic application. One common error is forgetting the particle 'mo' after each 'tsugi.' Without 'mo,' the phrase loses its additive, cumulative power and sounds like a disjointed list rather than a cohesive expression of distance. The 'mo' is what links the steps together and creates the feeling of 'one after another.'
- Mistake 1: Omitting Particles
- Incorrect: 次、その次、その次、まだ目的地じゃない。
Correct: 次も、その次も、その次もまだ目的地じゃない。
Don't say: 次、次、次、目的地じゃない (Too blunt, lacks the 'even/also' nuance).
Another common mistake is using this phrase in situations that are too minor or short-term. Because the phrase is so dramatic, using it to describe a three-minute walk to the convenience store would sound sarcastic or bizarrely over-the-top. It is reserved for journeys that feel significant. Furthermore, learners sometimes confuse 'sono tsugi' with 'tsugi no tsugi.' While 'tsugi no tsugi' (the next of the next) is grammatically correct, 'sono tsugi' (the next of that) is the standard idiomatic choice for this specific repetitive pattern because it points back to the previously mentioned 'next,' creating a stronger chain.
Mistake: Using it for a 2-stop train ride.
Reality: It sounds like you are complaining excessively or being a drama queen.
- Mistake 2: Incorrect Negation
- Learners sometimes say 'mada mokutekichi da' (is still the destination), which is the opposite of the intended meaning. The 'janai' is crucial to indicate that the upcoming points are *not* the goal.
Finally, pay attention to the word 'mada.' Placing it incorrectly can change the focus of the sentence. In this phrase, 'mada' modifies the entire state of not being at the destination. If you omit 'mada,' the sentence 'Mokutekichi janai' simply means 'It's not the destination,' losing the 'yet' or 'still' nuance that implies a journey is in progress. To sound like a native, keep the 'mada' right before 'mokutekichi' to emphasize the ongoing wait.
There are several ways to express that a destination is far or that a journey is long in Japanese, ranging from simple adjectives to complex idioms. Understanding the difference between 次も その次も その次もまだ目的地じゃない and its alternatives will help you choose the right level of emphasis for your situation. The most basic alternative is 'Mada mada saki desu' (It is still far ahead), which is polite, neutral, and widely applicable in both business and casual settings.
- Comparison: Mada mada saki
- 'Mada mada saki' is functional and common. Our phrase is more descriptive and emotional, painting a picture of the intermediate steps.
Alternative: 道のりはまだ長い (Michinori wa mada nagai).
Meaning: The road is still long. This is a classic, slightly formal way to say the same thing.
Another similar expression is 'Hate-shinai' (endless/limitless). While our phrase focuses on the specific 'next' steps, 'hate-shinai' describes the overall quality of the journey as having no visible end. If you want to emphasize the difficulty or the arduous nature of the path, you might use 'Kewashii michinori' (a steep/difficult path). This shifts the focus from the distance to the effort required. For a more poetic or literary feel, 'Haruka kanata' (far, far away) can be used to describe a destination that is almost out of reach.
Alternative: 先は長い (Saki wa nagai).
Meaning: There's a long way to go. Very common in both work and life contexts.
- Comparison Table
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- Tsugi mo...: Emphasizes the repetitive nature of milestones. (Dramatic)
- Mada mada saki: Simple statement of distance. (Neutral)
- Michinori wa nagai: Focuses on the journey as a whole. (Formal/Literary)
- Hate-shinai: Suggests an infinite or overwhelming distance. (Poetic)
In summary, while there are many ways to say 'it's far,' the phrase 'Tsugi mo, sono tsugi mo, sono tsugi mo mada mokutekichi janai' is unique in its ability to convey a step-by-step realization of distance. It is less about the final point and more about the psychological endurance required to look past the immediate future. Choosing this phrase shows a high level of linguistic flair and an understanding of Japanese rhetorical style.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The use of 'sono tsugi' (the next of that) instead of just repeating 'tsugi' creates a logical chain, where each step is born from the previous one. This is a hallmark of Japanese spatial and temporal reasoning.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'tsu' as 'soo'.
- Elongating the 'o' in 'mo' like 'mooo'.
- Putting heavy stress on 'janai' like an English sentence ending.
- Skipping the pause between the repeated segments.
- Pronouncing 'mada' as 'mah-dah' with an English 'a' sound.
Difficulty Rating
Kanji for 'Mokutekichi' is intermediate (N3 level), but the structure is simple.
Requires correct kanji and consistent use of particles.
Rhythm is key; requires practice to sound natural.
Repetition makes it easier to catch the main words.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Particle 'mo' for listing similar items
りんごもバナナもオレンジも好きです。
Negative 'janai' for nouns
これは私の本じゃない。
Adverb 'mada' for 'not yet'
まだ食べていない。
Demonstrative 'sono' for reference
その本を貸してください。
Compound noun structure
目的地 (Goal + Place).
Examples by Level
次は東京駅ですか？ いいえ、次もその次もまだ目的地じゃないです。
Is the next station Tokyo? No, the next and the next are still not the destination.
Uses 'desu' for politeness.
次も、その次も、目的地じゃない。
The next, and the next, are not the destination.
Shortened version for beginners.
このバス停ですか？ いいえ、次もまだ目的地じゃない。
Is it this bus stop? No, even the next is not the destination yet.
Focus on 'mada' (not yet).
次もその次も、まだ。
The next and the next, still [not there].
Very casual, omitting the end.
目的地はどこ？ 次もその次もまだじゃないよ。
Where is the destination? It's not the next or the one after that yet.
Casual 'janai yo' ending.
次も、その次も、その次も、遠いです。
The next, the next, and the next are far.
Replaces 'mokutekichi janai' with 'tooi' (far).
駅はまだですか？ はい、次もその次もまだ目的地じゃないです。
Is the station not here yet? Yes, the next and the next are still not the destination.
Formal question and answer.
次も、その次も、目的地じゃない。歩きましょう。
The next and the next aren't the destination. Let's walk.
Uses 'arukimashou' (let's walk).
地図を見ると、次もその次もその次もまだ目的地じゃないことがわかります。
Looking at the map, I can see the next, the next, and the next are still not the destination.
Uses 'koto ga wakarimasu' (realize that...).
テストはこれだけ？ いいえ、次もその次もその次もまだ目的地じゃないよ。
Is this the only test? No, the next, the next, and the next are still not the end.
Metaphorical use for 'the end' of a task.
次もその次もその次もまだ目的地じゃないから、休みましょう。
Since the next, the next, and the next aren't the destination yet, let's rest.
Uses 'kara' (because).
走っても走っても、次もその次もその次もまだ目的地じゃない。
No matter how much I run, the next, the next, and the next aren't the destination yet.
Uses 'te mo' (even if/no matter how).
このビルですか？ いいえ、次もその次もその次もまだ目的地じゃないですよ。
Is it this building? No, the next, the next, and the next are still not the destination.
Adding 'yo' for emphasis.
次もその次もその次もまだ目的地じゃない。遠いですね。
The next, the next, and the next aren't the destination yet. It's far, isn't it?
Uses 'ne' to seek agreement.
旅行は長い。次もその次もその次もまだ目的地じゃない。
The trip is long. The next, the next, and the next aren't the destination yet.
Simple descriptive sentences.
次もその次もその次もまだ目的地じゃないけど、頑張ります。
The next, the next, and the next aren't the destination yet, but I'll do my best.
Uses 'kedo' (but) and 'ganbarimasu'.
今の成功は通過点に過ぎない。次も、その次も、その次もまだ目的地じゃないんだ。
Current success is nothing more than a passing point. The next, and the next, and the next are still not the destination.
Uses 'ni suginnai' (nothing more than).
山頂はまだ遠い。次もその次もその次もまだ目的地じゃないと自分に言い聞かせた。
The summit is still far. I told myself that the next, the next, and the next are still not the destination.
Uses 'to jibun ni iikikaseta' (told myself that...).
彼の野心は凄まじい。次もその次もその次もまだ目的地じゃないと考えているようだ。
His ambition is incredible. It seems he thinks the next, the next, and the next are still not the destination.
Uses 'to kangaete iru you da' (seems to be thinking that...).
各駅停車に乗ると、次もその次もその次もまだ目的地じゃないという感覚になる。
When you take a local train, you get the feeling that the next, the next, and the next are still not the destination.
Uses 'to iu kankaku ni naru' (get the feeling that...).
勉強は終わらない。次もその次もその次もまだ目的地じゃない。もっと学びたい。
Study never ends. The next, the next, and the next are still not the destination. I want to learn more.
Metaphorical use for lifelong learning.
次もその次もその次もまだ目的地じゃない。そう思うと、道が永遠に続くように思えた。
The next, the next, and the next are still not the destination. Thinking that, the road seemed to go on forever.
Uses 'you ni omoeta' (seemed like...).
このプロジェクトは長い。次もその次もその次もまだ目的地じゃないが、一歩ずつ進もう。
This project is long. The next, the next, and the next are still not the destination, but let's move step by step.
Uses 'ippo zutsu' (step by step).
次もその次もその次もまだ目的地じゃない。だからこそ、今この瞬間を大切にしたい。
The next, the next, and the next are still not the destination. That's exactly why I want to cherish this moment.
Uses 'dakara koso' (precisely because of that).
人生の目標を達成するためには、次もその次もその次もまだ目的地じゃないという覚悟が必要だ。
To achieve life goals, you need the resolve that the next, the next, and the next are still not the destination.
Uses 'to iu kakugo' (the resolve that...).
探求心がある限り、次もその次もその次もまだ目的地じゃないという旅は続いていく。
As long as there is a spirit of inquiry, the journey where the next, the next, and the next are still not the destination will continue.
Uses 'aru kagiri' (as long as there is).
物語の主人公は、次もその次もその次もまだ目的地じゃないと知りながらも、歩みを止めなかった。
The protagonist of the story did not stop walking, even while knowing the next, the next, and the next were still not the destination.
Uses 'shiri nagara mo' (even while knowing).
経営者として、次もその次もその次もまだ目的地じゃないという視点を常に持っていたい。
As a business owner, I want to always have the perspective that the next, the next, and the next are still not the destination.
Uses 'shiten' (perspective).
次もその次もその次もまだ目的地じゃない。この終わりのない感覚こそが、旅の醍醐味だ。
The next, the next, and the next are still not the destination. This feeling of endlessness is the true pleasure of travel.
Uses 'daigomi' (true pleasure/essence).
修行の道は険しく、次もその次もその次もまだ目的地じゃない。悟りへの道は遠い。
The path of training is steep; the next, the next, and the next are still not the destination. The road to enlightenment is long.
Uses 'shugyou' (training/asceticism).
次もその次もその次もまだ目的地じゃないという現実に、彼は深い溜息をついた。
He let out a deep sigh at the reality that the next, the next, and the next were still not the destination.
Uses 'tameiki o tsuita' (sighed).
次もその次もその次もまだ目的地じゃない。それでも我々は前進し続けるしかないのだ。
The next, the next, and the next are still not the destination. Even so, we have no choice but to keep moving forward.
Uses 'shika nai' (no choice but to).
飽くなき探究心は、次もその次もその次もまだ目的地じゃないという無限の連鎖を生み出す。
An insatiable spirit of inquiry creates an infinite chain where the next, the next, and the next are still not the destination.
Uses 'akunaki' (insatiable) and 'rensa' (chain).
彼の芸術観によれば、次もその次もその次もまだ目的地じゃないという未完成の状態こそが美なのだという。
According to his view of art, the state of incompleteness—where the next, the next, and the next are still not the destination—is beauty itself.
Uses 'geijutsukan' (view of art) and 'mikansei' (incomplete).
次もその次もその次もまだ目的地じゃないという絶望感に打ち勝ち、彼はついに真理に到達した。
Overcoming the sense of despair that the next, the next, and the next were still not the destination, he finally reached the truth.
Uses 'uchikatsu' (to overcome) and 'shinri' (truth).
この壮大な計画において、次もその次もその次もまだ目的地じゃないという認識を共有することが不可欠だ。
In this grand plan, it is essential to share the understanding that the next, the next, and the next are still not the destination.
Uses 'fukatsu' (essential/indispensable).
次もその次もその次もまだ目的地じゃない。この言葉は、停滞を拒む彼の生き様を象徴している。
The next, the next, and the next are still not the destination. These words symbolize his way of life, which rejects stagnation.
Uses 'ikizama' (way of life) and 'shouchou' (symbolize).
学問の深淵を覗けば、次もその次もその次もまだ目的地じゃないという事実に愕然とするだろう。
If you peer into the abyss of scholarship, you will be stunned by the fact that the next, the next, and the next are still not the destination.
Uses 'shinen' (abyss) and 'gakuzen' (stunned/appalled).
次もその次もその次もまだ目的地じゃないという、ある種の「永遠の未完」が彼の作品のテーマだ。
A sort of 'eternal incompleteness'—where the next, the next, and the next are still not the destination—is the theme of his work.
Uses 'aru shu no' (a certain kind of).
次もその次もその次もまだ目的地じゃない。このフレーズの反復が、旅路の過酷さを際立たせている。
The next, the next, and the next are still not the destination. The repetition of this phrase highlights the harshness of the journey.
Uses 'hanpuku' (repetition) and 'kiwatataseru' (to highlight/stand out).
次もその次もその次もまだ目的地じゃないという言説は、目的論的な歴史観に対する一つのアンチテーゼとなり得る。
The discourse that the next, the next, and the next are still not the destination can serve as an antithesis to teleological views of history.
Uses 'gensetsu' (discourse) and 'mokutekiron-teki' (teleological).
自己実現のプロセスにおいて、次もその次もその次もまだ目的地じゃないという感覚は、エゴの拡張を抑制する機能を持つ。
In the process of self-actualization, the feeling that the next, the next, and the next are still not the destination functions to suppress the expansion of the ego.
Uses 'jiko jitsugen' (self-actualization) and 'yokusei' (suppress/restrain).
次もその次もその次もまだ目的地じゃないという「途上」の意識こそが、創造性の源泉であると彼は主張した。
He argued that the consciousness of being 'in progress'—where the next, the next, and the next are still not the destination—is the source of creativity.
Uses 'toujou' (in progress/on the way) and 'gensen' (source/wellspring).
次もその次もその次もまだ目的地じゃないという反復構造は、読者に時間的な無限性を想起させる。
The repetitive structure of 'the next, the next, and the next are still not the destination' evokes a sense of temporal infinity in the reader.
Uses 'souki saseru' (to evoke/remind).
次もその次もその次もまだ目的地じゃない。この徹底した否定の果てに、何が見えるのだろうか。
The next, the next, and the next are still not the destination. What can be seen at the end of this thorough negation?
Uses 'tettei-teki' (thorough) and 'hote' (the end/result).
次もその次もその次もまだ目的地じゃないという感覚は、安易な帰結を拒む知的な誠実さの表れでもある。
The feeling that the next, the next, and the next are still not the destination is also an expression of intellectual integrity that rejects easy conclusions.
Uses 'kiketsu' (conclusion/result) and 'seijitsusa' (integrity/sincerity).
次もその次もその次もまだ目的地じゃない。この言葉が内包するダイナミズムは、静的な完成を許さない。
The next, the next, and the next are still not the destination. The dynamism inherent in these words does not allow for static completion.
Uses 'naihou' (inherent/connotation) and 'seiteki' (static).
次もその次もその次もまだ目的地じゃないという認識は、我々を常に「ここではないどこか」へと駆り立てる。
The recognition that the next, the next, and the next are still not the destination constantly drives us toward 'somewhere other than here.'
Uses 'karitateru' (to drive/spur on).
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— The next and the one after that. Used to list upcoming items.
次もその次も、雨の予報だ。
— The destination is still ahead. A simpler way to say the goal isn't here yet.
目的地はまだ先だから、急ごう。
— It's not over yet. Used for tasks or journeys.
仕事はまだ終わらない。
— The one after that. A common way to refer to the second item in a sequence.
その次の角を右に曲がってください。
— Still more / Not yet. Used for emphasis.
まだまだ練習が必要だ。
— Just a little more to the destination. The opposite of our main phrase.
目的地まであと少しだ、頑張れ。
— The one after next. Synonymous with 'sono tsugi' in many contexts.
次の次の駅で降ります。
— Continues everywhere / goes on forever.
道がどこまでも続いている。
— To lose sight of the destination/goal.
忙しすぎて、目的地を見失ってしまった。
— Next time for sure. Expresses determination for the next step.
次こそは成功させる。
Often Confused With
Means 'the one after next'. While similar, 'sono tsugi' is more idiomatic in this repetitive phrase.
Means 'still more'. It's a general intensifier, while our phrase is specific to milestones.
A noun meaning 'passing point'. It's a component of the concept but not the whole phrase.
Idioms & Expressions
— A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Emphasizes starting a long journey.
千里の道も一歩からだ。まずは基礎を固めよう。
Proverb— An endless journey. Used for very long or difficult pursuits.
真理を追究するのは果てしない旅だ。
Literary— The road is long. Used when a goal is far off.
プロになるには、まだ道は遠い。
Neutral— A path of thorns. A very difficult and painful journey.
彼が選んだのは茨の道だった。
Metaphorical— In the long run. Looking past the immediate 'next' steps.
長い目で見れば、この失敗も役に立つ。
Neutral— Step by step. Focuses on the process of moving forward.
一歩一歩、目的地に近づいている。
Common— The goal is far. Similar to the main phrase but less rhythmic.
完成までのゴールは遠い。
Neutral— A journey without end. Often used in songs and literature.
人生は終わりなき旅のようなものだ。
Poetic— Nothing more than a passing point. Used to downplay early success.
この優勝も、私にとっては通過点に過ぎない。
Formal— A future full of difficulties. Used when the path ahead looks hard.
新事業の立ち上げは前途多難だ。
Formal/IdiomaticEasily Confused
Often confused with 'Mokuhyou' (Goal).
'Mokutekichi' is a physical or final destination. 'Mokuhyou' is a specific target or objective.
目的地はパリです。目標はフランス語を話すことです。
Confused with 'Kondo' (This time/Next time).
'Tsugi' refers to the very next item in a sequence. 'Kondo' can mean 'this time' or a vague 'next time'.
次の駅で降ります。
Confused with 'Mata' (Again).
'Mada' means 'still/yet'. 'Mata' means 'again'.
まだ目的地じゃない。また明日会いましょう。
Confused with 'Nakunai' (Is it not?).
'Janai' is a simple negation. 'Nakunai' is a double negative often used for 'isn't it?'.
目的地じゃない。
Confused with 'Ano' (That over there).
'Sono' refers to something near the listener or something just mentioned. 'Ano' refers to something far from both.
その次も目的地じゃない。
Sentence Patterns
次も [Noun] じゃない。
次も目的地じゃない。
次も その次も [Noun] じゃない。
次もその次も目的地じゃない。
次も その次も その次も まだ [Noun] じゃない。
次もその次もその次もまだ目的地じゃない。
[Sentence]、次もその次もその次もまだ目的地じゃない。
頑張っているが、次もその次もその次もまだ目的地じゃない。
次もその次もその次もまだ目的地じゃないという [Noun]。
次もその次もその次もまだ目的地じゃないという現実。
次もその次もその次もまだ目的地じゃないという [Concept] を持つ。
次もその次もその次もまだ目的地じゃないという意識を持つ。
次もその次もその次もまだ [Verb-stem] じゃない。
次もその次もその次もまだ終わりじゃない。
次もその次もその次もまだ [Abstract Noun] ではない。
次もその次もその次もまだ完成ではない。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
The specific long phrase is medium frequency (mostly in stories/motivation). The components are high frequency.
-
次、その次、その次、目的地じゃない。
→
次も、その次も、その次もまだ目的地じゃない。
Missing the 'mo' particles makes the sentence sound like a broken list rather than a natural expression.
-
次もその次も目的地だ。
→
次もその次も目的地じゃない。
If you forget 'janai,' you are saying the next stops *are* the destination, which is the opposite of the meaning.
-
次もその次も目的地じゃないまだ。
→
次もその次もまだ目的地じゃない。
'Mada' should come before the noun or the negation, not at the very end of the sentence.
-
次もこの次もその次も...
→
次もその次もその次も...
Mixing 'kono' (this) and 'sono' (that) breaks the logical chain of the idiomatic phrase.
-
次もその次もその次も目的地ではないです。
→
次もその次もその次もまだ目的地ではありません。
While 'dewa nai desu' is okay, 'dewa arimasen' is more standard for formal negation in this context.
Tips
Rhythm is Key
Say it like a beat: Tsugi-mo (1), Sono-tsugi-mo (2), Sono-tsugi-mo (3). This makes you sound more like a native speaker.
Don't Forget 'Mada'
Without 'mada' (still), the phrase just says 'it's not the destination.' 'Mada' adds the feeling that you are currently traveling and waiting.
Use for Ambition
Use this phrase when someone asks if you're happy with a small success. It shows you have a 'big picture' mindset.
Kanji Practice
Practice writing 目的地 (Goal + Place). It's a very common word in GPS systems and travel signs in Japan.
Visualizing the Chain
Remember that 'sono' refers back to the previous 'tsugi.' It's like a chain of stations on a map.
Catch the 'Mo'
When listening, the 'mo' sounds act like anchors. They help you identify that a list is being made.
Emotional Range
You can say this with a sigh (tired) or with a smile (ambitious). The meaning changes with your tone!
Punctuation
In casual texts, you can use '...' to show the distance: 次も、その次も、その次も...まだ目的地じゃない。
The 'Michi' Concept
Relate this to the Japanese idea that the 'path' is just as important as the 'end.' Enjoy the 'tsugi' steps!
Slang Version
With friends, you can shorten it to '次もその次もまだだし' (It's still the next and the next [so I'm not done]).
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a train conductor announcing 'Next... next... next...' but never your stop. 'Tsugi mo, sono tsugi mo...' until you realize you're on the 'Mada' (Still) train to 'Mokutekichi' (Destination) but it's 'Janai' (Not) there yet.
Visual Association
Picture a long, winding staircase going into the clouds. Each step you see is 'Tsugi.' You look up and see 'Sono Tsugi' and 'Sono Tsugi,' but the top (Mokutekichi) is invisible.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to say the phrase while walking. Step on each 'Tsugi' and 'Mo' to feel the rhythm of the journey. Can you say it three times without losing your breath?
Word Origin
The phrase is a combination of common Japanese words. 'Tsugi' comes from the verb 'tsugu' (to join/succeed). 'Mokutekichi' is a Sino-Japanese compound (Kango) consisting of 'Mokuteki' (Goal/Purpose) and 'Chi' (Place). The repetitive structure is a rhetorical device common in oral storytelling and classical Japanese poetry.
Original meaning: Literally: 'Next also, that next also, that next also, still destination is not.'
Japonic (Japanese)Cultural Context
The phrase is generally positive or neutral, but if said with a very heavy sigh, it can express deep exhaustion or frustration with a slow process.
In English, we might say 'We're not even close' or 'It's a long way off,' but the Japanese phrase is more specific about the steps being passed.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
On a long train journey
- あと何駅？
- まだ目的地じゃない。
- 遠いね。
- 寝てていいよ。
Studying for a long-term goal
- 合格はまだ先だ。
- 次もその次もまだ目的地じゃない。
- 一歩ずつ頑張ろう。
- 諦めない。
Hiking or walking
- 頂上はどこ？
- まだまだ歩くよ。
- 次もその次もまだ目的地じゃない。
- 景色が綺麗だ。
Discussing a complex project
- これは通過点だ。
- 次もその次もまだ目的地じゃない。
- 長期的な計画だ。
- 目標を再確認しよう。
Narrating a story or anime
- 旅は続く。
- 次もその次もまだ目的地じゃない。
- 新たな敵が現れた。
- 伝説の場所へ。
Conversation Starters
"目的地まで、あとどれくらいかかると思いますか？"
"次もその次もその次もまだ目的地じゃないって、ちょっと絶望的じゃない？"
"人生において、あなたの本当の「目的地」はどこですか？"
"この長い道のりを、どうやって楽しんでいますか？"
"次もその次もまだ目的地じゃないとき、何を考えて歩きますか？"
Journal Prompts
今日、自分が「目的地」だと思っていた場所に到達しましたか？それともまだ「次」の段階ですか？
「次も その次も その次もまだ目的地じゃない」と感じた経験について書いてください。
長い道のりを歩むとき、あなたを支えてくれる言葉は何ですか？
今の仕事や勉強のゴールを「目的地」に例えて説明してください。
もし目的地が永遠に現れなかったら、あなたはどうしますか？
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsTechnically yes, but it sounds very dramatic. If you are only going two stops on a train, it might sound like you are joking or being sarcastic. It's best used for long journeys.
In this specific phrase, 'sono tsugi' is more common because it creates a chain: 'Next, and the next of *that*, and the next of *that*.' 'Tsugi no tsugi' usually just means 'the one after next' (the second one).
It means 'also' or 'too.' It links the repeated 'tsugi' words together to show that they all share the same status: they are all *not* the destination.
No, it can be used metaphorically for life goals, career milestones, or the end of a long project. However, 'mokuhyou' is more common for abstract goals.
Three is the most common for a rhythmic effect, but you can repeat it twice or even four times depending on how much you want to emphasize the distance.
The version ending in 'janai' is informal/neutral. For formal situations, use 'dewa arimasen.' The repetitive structure itself is quite expressive and less common in stiff business talk.
Yes! It can show great ambition, meaning 'I'm not stopping yet because I have much bigger goals ahead.' It's not always about being tired.
'Mada mada' is more emphatic. You could say 'mada mada mokutekichi janai' to show that the destination is *really* far away.
Yes, very often. It fits well into the rhythm of J-Pop and rock songs that talk about chasing dreams or traveling long roads.
Yes, you can say '次もその次もその次もまだ終わりじゃない' (is not the end yet) or '...まだゴールじゃない' (is not the goal yet).
Test Yourself 200 questions
Translate to Japanese: 'The next and the next are still not the destination.'
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Write the kanji for 'Mokutekichi'.
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Use the phrase in a sentence about a long train ride.
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Translate: 'It is not the destination yet.'
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Write the formal version of '次もその次もまだ目的地じゃない'.
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Translate: 'The next station is also not the goal.'
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Use 'mada mada' in a sentence about studying.
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Translate: 'Looking at the map, it's still far.'
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Write a sentence using 'sono tsugi'.
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Translate: 'I am aiming for the destination.'
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Write 'next' in kanji.
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Translate: 'The road is still long.'
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Use 'janai' to negate 'sensei' (teacher).
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Translate: 'Next time for sure.'
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Write a sentence about a 'passing point' (tsuukaten).
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Translate: 'The journey does not end.'
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Use 'mo' twice in one sentence.
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Translate: 'Still far away.'
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Write 'destination' in hiragana.
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Translate: 'The next of that is also not it.'
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Say 'The next is not the destination' in Japanese.
Read this aloud:
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Say 'The next and the next are still not the destination' with a rhythmic pause.
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Say the full 3-repetition phrase formally.
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Ask 'Is the next station the destination?'
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Say 'It's still far ahead' casually.
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Express determination: 'I will reach the destination.'
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Say 'One step at a time' in Japanese.
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Say 'The journey is long' formally.
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Say 'I'm not there yet' using 'mada'.
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Say 'The next of that too' in Japanese.
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Practice the pitch accent for 'Tsugi'.
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Say 'It's not over yet' emphatically.
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Say 'This is just a passing point.'
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Ask 'Where is the destination?'
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Say 'The road continues' in Japanese.
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Say 'The next, and the next, and the next' quickly.
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Say 'I'm aiming for the top.'
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Say 'It's far, isn't it?' to a friend.
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Say 'The next station is Tokyo.'
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Say 'I'm still studying.'
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Listen and identify the number of times 'tsugi' is said: '次もその次もまだ目的地じゃない。'
Listen for the negation: '目的地じゃない。' Is it the destination?
Listen for 'mada': 'まだ遠いです。' Is it close?
Identify the word for 'destination' in the audio clip.
Does the speaker sound tired or happy in the phrase?
Listen and write the particles used: '次( )その次( )まだ...'
Identify the formal ending in: '目的地ではありません。'
Listen for 'sono': 'その次も。' What does it refer to?
Listen to 'まだまだ' and identify the level of emphasis.
Listen and translate: '次はどこ？'
Identify the verb in: '目的地に着きました。'
Listen for 'saki': '先は長いです。' What is long?
Identify 'tsuukaten' in the sentence.
Listen and identify the noun: '目的地じゃない。'
Listen and identify the adverb: 'まだ目的地じゃない。'
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The phrase uses repetition to transform a simple statement of distance into a powerful expression of endurance. Example: '次も その次も その次もまだ目的地じゃない。道は続く。' (The next, and the next, and the next are not the destination yet. The road continues.)
- Emphasizes that a goal or destination is far away by repeating 'next' (tsugi) with the particle 'mo' (also).
- Used in physical travel and metaphorical journeys like career paths or personal growth to show persistence.
- Creates a rhythmic, dramatic effect that highlights the scale of the distance or the effort required.
- Common in anime, literature, and motivational contexts to express a 'never-ending' or 'long-haul' mindset.
Rhythm is Key
Say it like a beat: Tsugi-mo (1), Sono-tsugi-mo (2), Sono-tsugi-mo (3). This makes you sound more like a native speaker.
Don't Forget 'Mada'
Without 'mada' (still), the phrase just says 'it's not the destination.' 'Mada' adds the feeling that you are currently traveling and waiting.
Use for Ambition
Use this phrase when someone asks if you're happy with a small success. It shows you have a 'big picture' mindset.
Kanji Practice
Practice writing 目的地 (Goal + Place). It's a very common word in GPS systems and travel signs in Japan.
