This site will be taken down March 31st, 2026.

This was not an easy decision to make. For the last couple years, I have been struggling to find motivation for this site and to keep up with basic maintenance and security updates. With the rise of AI and more sophisticated tools, the usefulness of sites like this is questionable and traffic has nose-dived. I just don't have it in me to keep doing this. Thank you all for 10 years of support!

Zach

孟母三遷

Reading

Kana: もうぼさんせん
Romaji: moubosansen
Kana
Romaji

Definition

exp
1

the importance of creating an environment conducive to a child's learning; Mencius' mother, three moves

Note: yojijukugo
See also: 孟母三遷の教え (reading もうぼさんせんのおしえ)

Kanji

Readings: モウ、 ボウ、 ミョウ、 かしら
Meanings: chief, beginning
Readings: ボ、 はは、 も
Meaning: mother
Readings: サン、 ゾウ、 み、 み.つ、 みっ.つ
Meaning: three
Readings: セン、 うつ.る、 うつ.す、 みやこがえ
Meanings: transition, move, change

Example Sentence

孟母三遷(もうぼさんせん)(おし)えなど()()して、子供(こども)のお受験(じゅけん)での()()しを正当化(せいとうか)しないでよ。
➥Don't drag out Chinese sayings about the importance of an environment conducive learning just to justify moving house for a child's entrance exams!
Full Entry➤