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一得一失 (いっとくいっしつ) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
noun
gaining some and losing some ; advantages and disadvantages
yojijukugo (four-character idiom)
A yojijukugo used to express that something has both gains and losses, or that one cannot have everything. Often used in a balanced, philosophical tone.
けい
画かく
に
は
一いっ
得とく
一いっ
失しつ
が
ある
。
This plan has its advantages and disadvantages.
Etymology A yojijukugo composed of 一 (one), 得 (gain), 一 (one), 失 (loss), literally 'one gain, one loss'. The exact historical origin is uncertain, but it follows a common four-character pattern for expressing balanced outcomes.
