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花より団子

hana yori dango
phrase★Intermediate💡 preferring immediate gratification over long-term benefits◆idiom
◆ What It Really Means
Prioritizing immediate pleasure or convenience over more valuable but delayed rewards, often implying a lack of foresight or maturity.
¶ Literal Meaning
Dango over flowers
Literal Breakdown
花flower+よりthan+団子dango (sweet rice dumplings)
◇ Mental Image
The contrast between the beauty of flowers (which are appreciated over time) and the immediate satisfaction of eating dango (a sweet treat).
◈ When to Use
A parent might use this idiom to describe their child who always wants to play video games instead of studying for exams.
◉ Cultural Note
This idiom reflects a cultural value in Japanese society that emphasizes long-term planning and delayed gratification. It is often used to critique behavior that is seen as impulsive or short-sighted.
informal

Prioritizing short-term pleasure or convenience over more valuable but delayed rewards, often implying a lack of foresight or maturity.

彼女は花より団子で、健康を犠牲にして甘いものを食べ続けた。

She's the type who sacrifices her health for sweets, preferring immediate pleasure.

花より団子な考え方は、長期的な成功を阻むことがある。

A 'hana yori dango' mindset can sometimes hinder long-term success.

💡

This idiom is often used to describe someone who is impulsive or lacks long-term planning skills.

Collocations

花より団子な考え方short-sighted thinking花より団子な行動impulsive behavior

Synonyms

即物的短期的浅慮

Antonyms

先見の明長期的深慮遠謀

Related Phrases

花より団子idiom
preferring immediate gratification
即物的phrase
practical but short-sighted

💡Pro Tip

Cultural Context

This idiom reflects a common cultural observation about human behavior, particularly in Japanese society, where long-term planning and delayed gratification are often valued.

⚡Gold Rule

Usage

Use this idiom to describe someone who consistently chooses short-term pleasure over long-term benefits, often with a slightly critical tone.

📖Word Origin

The phrase comes from a traditional Japanese proverb comparing the beauty of flowers (symbolizing long-term appreciation) with the immediate satisfaction of eating dango (sweet rice dumplings). It highlights the human tendency to choose instant gratification over more valuable but delayed rewards.

📝Usage Notes

This idiom is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to describe someone who prioritizes immediate pleasure or convenience over more valuable long-term benefits. It can carry a slightly negative connotation, implying a lack of foresight or maturity.

Word Breakdown

花
flower
root
+
より
than
particle
+
団子
dango (sweet rice dumplings)
root
和英辞典

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