のるかそるか
noru ka soru ka
The Japanese phrase for "sink or swim" is のるかそるか (noru ka soru ka).
This phrase is used to describe a situation where one must either succeed or fail completely in an attempted project or endeavor.
Meaning: to fail or succeed, on a project attempted (verb)
How do you pronounce it?
noru ka soru ka
Did you know?
- The word そる in this phrase originally referred to a piece of wood slipping or sliding away from a tool, rather than the concept of failing.
- While English uses the water metaphor of 'sink or swim', the Japanese phrase のるかそるか is rooted in the imagery of whether one 'rides' a wave or 'slips' off it.
- While the phrase describes a critical turning point, のる literally means to 'ride'. This suggests that success is not just about effort but about successfully catching a 'wave' of opportunity.
Examples in context
- 今回のプロジェクトは、のるかそるかの勝負だ。Konkai no purojekuto wa, noruka soruka no shoubu da.This project is a sink or swim situation.
- のるかそるかの思いで、新しい事業を始めた。Noruka soruka no omoi de, atarashii jigyou o hajimeta.I started a new business with a sink or swim mentality.
- のるかそるかの展開になるかもしれない。Noruka soruka no tenkai ni naru kamoshirenai.It might turn into a sink or swim situation.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a high-stakes presentation at work.
- 陽葵 Himari明日のプレゼンは、のるかそるかの大事な局面だね。Ashita no purezen wa, noruka soruka no daiji na kyokumen da ne.Tomorrow's presentation is a critical sink or swim moment, isn't it?
- 大翔 Hirotoそうだね。失敗したら厳しい状況になる。Sou da ne. Shippai shitara kibishii joukyou ni naru.That's true. If we fail, things will get tough.
- 陽葵 Himari大翔君なら、きっと成功させられるよ。Hiroto-kun nara, kitto seikou saserareru yo.I'm sure you can make it a success, Hiroto.
- 大翔 Hirotoありがとう。全力でやってみるよ。Arigatou. Zenryoku de yatte miru yo.Thanks. I'll give it my all.
