Japanese Conversation · Level 75
75 words
Japanese word
落とし穴
Pronunciation
Romajiotoshiana
Meaning
- nounpitfall
Example
この計画には落とし穴があります。ko no kei kaku ni wa o to shi ana ga a ri ma su
There is a pitfall in this plan.
More examples
表面的には便利な方法でも、落とし穴が潜んでいる場合があります。hyō men teki ni wa ben ri na hō hō de mo o to shi ana ga hiso n de i ru ba ai ga a ri ma su
Even a seemingly convenient method may conceal a pitfall.
Core concept
It presents a concealed opening or danger that unexpectedly causes someone to fall or suffer a setback.
Common phrases
落とし穴を見抜くo to shi ana o mi nu ku
spot a pitfall
落とし穴を見過ごすo to shi ana o mi su go su
overlook a pitfall
隠れた落とし穴kaku re ta o to shi ana
hidden pitfall
Similar words
罠wana: A hidden device or scheme intended to catch or deceive someone.
盲点mōten: An overlooked problem or risk that remains unnoticed in a situation or plan.
Definition in Japanese
人を陥れるために仕掛けた穴、または物事にひそむ予想外の危険や不都合。hito o otoshii re ru ta me ni shi ka ke ta ana ma ta wa mono goto ni hi so mu yo sō gai no ki ken ya fu tsu gō
Word origin
落とし穴 (otoshiana) is formed from 落とし (otoshi, "dropping") and 穴 (ana, "hole"), literally meaning a hole that makes a person or animal fall into it.
Usage tips
- In English, pitfall often describes an overlooked risk in an otherwise workable plan, not only a physical trap, so it fits abstract discussions of decisions.
Other meanings
- trapnoun
- pitnoun