臥薪嘗胆

Reading

Kana: がしんしょうたん

Romaji: gashinshōtan

Definition

noun

vs

1

going through thick and thin to attain one's objective; enduring unspeakable hardships for the sake of vengeance

Note: yojijukugo

Kanji

臥

Readings: ガ、 ふせ.る、 ふ.せる、 ふ.す

Meanings: bend down, bow, lie prostrate

薪

Readings: シン、 たきぎ、 まき

Meanings: fuel, firewood, kindling

嘗

Readings: ショウ、 ジョウ、 かつ.て、 こころ.みる、 な.める

Meanings: once, before, formerly, ever, never, ex-, lick, lap up, burn up, taste, undergo, underrate, despise

胆

Readings: タン、 きも

Meanings: gall bladder, courage, pluck, nerve

Example Sentence

私(わたし)は長(なが)い間(ま)臥薪嘗胆(がしんしょうたん)の苦(くる)しみをなめた。

➥I have struggled under extreme difficulties for a long time.