驥尾に付す · godan verb (-su)
| Form | Positive | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary | 驥尾に付す | 驥尾に付さない |
| Polite | 驥尾に付します | 驥尾に付しません |
| Past polite | 驥尾に付しました | 驥尾に付しませんでした |
| Past | 驥尾に付した | 驥尾に付さなかった |
| Te-form | 驥尾に付して | 驥尾に付さないで |
| Desire | 驥尾に付したい | 驥尾に付したくない |
| Potential | 驥尾に付せる | 驥尾に付せない |
| Passive | 驥尾に付される | 驥尾に付されない |
| Causative | 驥尾に付させる | 驥尾に付させない |
| Causative passive | 驥尾に付させられる | 驥尾に付させられない |
| Volitional | 驥尾に付そう | |
| Polite volitional | 驥尾に付しましょう | |
| Imperative | 驥尾に付せ | 驥尾に付すな |
| Conditional | 驥尾に付せば | 驥尾に付さなければ |
| Tara conditional | 驥尾に付したら | 驥尾に付さなかったら |
to succeed by following the lead of an expert; to get ahead by following someone's lead
Idiomatic expression derived from classical Chinese, literally 'to attach oneself to the tail of a swift horse'. Used to describe achieving success or advancement by following a capable person. Rare in modern Japanese, mostly found in literary or formal writing.
He got promoted quickly by following in the footsteps of his senior.
The phrase 'kibi ni fusu' originates from a classical Chinese anecdote.