他力本願

Reading

Kana: たりきほんがん

Romaji: tarikihongan

Definitions

noun

1

salvation by faith in Amitabha

(Buddhist term)

Note: yojijukugo

See also: 阿弥陀

2

relying upon others for attaining one's own objective

Kanji

他

Readings: タ、 ほか

Meanings: other, another, the others

力

Readings: リョク、 リキ、 リイ、 ちから

Meanings: power, strength, strong, strain, bear up, exert

本

Readings: ホン、 もと

Meanings: book, present, main, origin, true, real, counter for long cylindrical things

願

Readings: ガン、 ねが.う、 -ねがい

Meanings: petition, request, vow, wish, hope

Example Sentences

他力本願(たりきほんがん)じゃ、世(よ)の中(なか)渡(わた)っていけないよ。

➥You're overly reliant on people. You'll never make it in the world that way.

他力本願(たりきほんがん)じゃだめだよ。自分(じぶん)でなんとかしようという気持(きも)ちがなくちゃ。

➥You shouldn't rely on others. It's important to want to help yourself.