一人はみんなのために
hitori wa minna no tame ni
The English phrase "one for all" is translated into Japanese as 一人はみんなのために (hitori wa minna no tame ni).
This phrase is used to express that each individual should work for the benefit of the entire group.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of hitori (one person), wa (topic marker), minna (everyone) and no tame ni (for the sake of).
Which one should you use?
The full version of the famous slogan 'One for all, all for one' is 一人はみんなのために、みんなは一人のために.
How does it change in a sentence?
The construction no tame ni is used to express doing something for the benefit or sake of someone or something.
How do you pronounce it?
hitori wa minna no tame ni
Did you know?
- The full slogan 一人はみんなのために、みんなは一人のために is widely recognized in Japan because of its association with the novel 'The Three Musketeers'.
- In Japanese schools, 一人はみんなのために is often taught not just as a slogan, but as a core principle of 'group harmony' where individual desire is secondary to the collective good.
- The phrase can take on a heavy, sacrificial tone because the grammar structure のために (no tame ni) is the same one used to describe dying for a cause or making a great sacrifice.
Examples in context
- 一人はみんなのために、という精神が大切だ。Hitori wa minna no tame ni, to iu seishin ga taisetsu da.The spirit of one for all is important.
- 一人はみんなのために動かなければならない。Hitori wa minna no tame ni ugokanakereba naranai.One must act for the benefit of all.
- 一人はみんなのために、という言葉を信じている。Hitori wa minna no tame ni, to iu kotoba o shinjite iru.I believe in the phrase one for all.
Example conversation
Two teammates are discussing their teamwork before a sports match.
- 大翔 Hiroto一人はみんなのために、という気持ちで頑張ろう！Hitori wa minna no tame ni, to iu kimochi de ganbarou!Let's do our best with the spirit of one for all!
- 結衣 Yuiそうだね、大翔くん。チームワークが大事だよ。Sou da ne, Hiroto-kun. Chiimuwaaku ga daiji da yo.That's right, Hiroto. Teamwork is important.
- 大翔 Hirotoみんなで協力して、絶対に勝とう。Minna de kyouryoku shite, zettai ni katou.Let's cooperate and definitely win.
- 結衣 Yuiうん、結衣も全力でサポートするね。Un, Yui mo zenryoku de sapooto suru ne.Yeah, Yui will support you with all her might too.
