皮算用

Reading

Kana: かわざんよう

Romaji: kawazan'you

Definition

noun

1

over-optimistic calculation; counting one's chickens before they're hatched

See also: 取らぬ狸の皮算用

Kanji

皮

Readings: ヒ、 かわ

Meanings: pelt, skin, hide, leather, skin radical (no. 107)

算

Readings: サン、 そろ

Meanings: calculate, divining, number, abacus, probability

用

Readings: ヨウ、 もち.いる

Meanings: utilize, business, service, use, employ

Example Sentences

取(と)らぬ狸(たぬき)の皮算用(かわざんよう)。

➥Count one's chickens before they are hatched.

捕(と)らぬ狸(たぬき)の皮算用(かわざんよう)をするな。

➥Don't count your chickens before they are hatched.

取(と)らぬ狸(たぬき)の皮算用(かわざんよう)か。

➥Are you counting your chickens before they are hatched?