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

両天秤をかけて失敗した。

Sentence Analyzer

両天秤 かけて 失敗した

English Translation

Between two stools one falls to the ground.

Furigana

両天秤(りょうてんびん)をかけて失敗(しっぱい)した。

Romanji

Ryōtenbin o kakete shippaishita.

Words

両天秤 (りょうてんびん)
two alternatives
()
indicates direct object of action; indicates subject of causative expression; indicates an area traversed; indicates time (period) over which action takes place; indicates point of departure or separation of action; indicates object of desire, like, hate, etc.
掛ける (かける)
to hang (e.g. picture); to hoist (e.g. sail); to raise (e.g. flag); to sit; to take (time, money); to expend (money, time, etc.); to make (a call); to multiply; to secure (e.g. lock); to put on (glasses, etc.); to cover; to burden someone; to apply (insurance); to turn on (an engine, etc.); to set (a dial, an alarm clock, etc.); to put an effect (spell, anaesthetic, etc.) on; to hold an emotion for (pity, hope, etc.); to bind; to pour (or sprinkle, spray, etc.) onto; to argue (in court); to deliberate (in a meeting); to present (e.g. idea to a conference, etc.); to increase further; to catch (in a trap, etc.); to set atop; to erect (a makeshift building); to hold (a play, festival, etc.); to wager; to bet; to risk; to stake; to gamble; to be partway doing ...; to begin (but not complete) ...; to be about to ...; indicates (verb) is being directed to (someone)
失敗 (しっぱい)
failure; mistake; blunder

Kanji

Readings: リョウ、 てる、 ふたつ
Meanings: both, old Japanese coin, counter for carriages (e.g., in a train), two
Readings: テン、 あまつ、 あめ、 あま-
Meanings: heavens, sky, imperial
Readings: ショウ、 ヒン、 ビン、 はかり
Meanings: balances, scales, steelyard
Readings: シツ、 うしな.う、 う.せる
Meanings: lose, error, fault, disadvantage, loss
Readings: ハイ、 やぶ.れる
Meanings: failure, defeat, reversal