expression
good things are often accompanied by hardship; joy rarely comes without trouble
A yojijukugo proverb meaning that happy events or good fortune are frequently accompanied by difficulties or obstacles. Used in a reflective or cautionary tone.
結婚式の準備は大変だったが、好事多磨というものだ。
Preparing for the wedding was tough, but as they say, good things come with difficulties.
念願の留学が決まったが、ビザの手続きで苦労した。まさに好事多磨だ。
I finally got to study abroad, but the visa process was a struggle. Truly, joy is rarely unalloyed.
A similar proverb with the same meaning, literally 'good things, many demons'. More common in modern Japanese than 好事多磨.
A yojijukugo of Chinese origin, combining 好事 (good things) and 多磨 (many obstacles/grindings). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but it reflects a common East Asian proverb about fortune and adversity.