Have you ever felt like life keeps knocking you down?
We all face setbacks, failures, and moments where we wonder if we should just give up.
In Japanese, there’s a beautiful idiom that gently encourages us to keep going—no matter how many times we fall:
Shichiten Hakki (七転八起) — “Fall seven times, rise eight.”
What Does Shichiten Hakki Mean?
Let’s break down the characters:
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七 (shichi) – seven
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転 (ten) – to fall or stumble
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八 (hachi) – eight
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起 (ki) – to rise, to stand up
Literally, it means:
“Fall seven times, rise eight.”
But more deeply, it’s about resilience—getting back up each time life knocks you down.
Interestingly, in Japanese symbolism:
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“Seven” can represent many kinds of struggles
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“Eight” often symbolizes prosperity or limitless possibilities
So the phrase suggests: no matter how many times life throws challenges at you, there’s always one more chance to rise.
Why This Phrase Speaks to Me
What I love about Shichiten Hakki is how human it feels.
The word “fall” (転) makes it relatable—we all stumble sometimes.
Unlike phrases that emphasize unbreakable strength, this one is softer, more forgiving.
It doesn’t demand perfection. It simply reminds us:
“It’s okay to fall. Just get back up.”
In that way, it feels different from Hyakusetsu-Futō (百折不撓), which expresses an unyielding spirit, or Futō Fukutsu (不撓不屈), which evokes an inner toughness.
Shichiten Hakki is less about being strong, and more about being hopeful and persistent.
To me, it’s also similar to Ungai Sōten (雲外蒼天)—clear skies beyond the clouds—because both offer comfort and the promise of a better tomorrow.
But Shichiten Hakki feels more down-to-earth. It’s about the everyday struggles, and the courage to keep moving forward through them.
A Phrase for Everyday Life
Whether you’re facing failure at work, school, relationships, or just struggling with self-doubt—
Shichiten Hakki reminds you:
You’re allowed to fall. Just don’t forget to rise.
It’s a mindset we all need in our lives: one of compassion, perseverance, and gentle strength.
Conclusion
Shichiten Hakki isn’t just a phrase.
It’s a life philosophy.
One that says: “Falling doesn’t make you weak. Rising makes you strong.”
If you enjoyed this article, check out my other posts on inspiring Japanese idioms:
👉 [Futō Fukutsu (不撓不屈): The Unyielding Spirit of Strength]
👉 [Hyakusetsu-Futō (百折不撓): Rising Again and Again]
👉 [Ungai Sōten (雲外蒼天): Clear Skies Beyond the Clouds]
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