鶏口牛後

• Reading: けいこうぎゅうご
• Romaji: keikogyuugo
• Kanji breakdown: 鶏 (kei/niwatori) — chicken; 口 (kō/kuchi) — mouth; 牛 (gyū/ushi) — cow; 後 (go/ato) — rear, behind
• Pronunciation: /keːkoːɡʲɯːɡo/

Meaning

Better to be the head of a small group than the tail of a large one. Equivalent to 'better to be a big fish in a small pond'.

A four-character compound (四字熟語) derived from a Chinese proverb. 鶏口 (mouth of a chicken) represents a lowly position in a small group, while 牛後 (rear of a cow) represents a subordinate position in a powerful group. The proverb advises that it is more dignified to lead the small than to follow the great.

Examples

1. 大企業の末端より地元企業のトップを選んだ。鶏口牛後の精神だ。 He chose to lead a local company rather than be a nobody at a major corporation — the spirit of being a big fish in a small pond.
2. 鶏口牛後というが、彼は地方の小さな会社で頭角を現した。 As the saying goes, it's better to be the head of a small group — he made a name for himself at a small company in the countryside.
3. どちらを選ぶかは価値観次第だが、私は鶏口牛後を信条としている。 Which path you choose depends on your values, but I live by the principle of being a big fish in a small pond.

Usage Guide

Context: proverbs, career advice, philosophy, leadership

Tone: proverbial

Origin & History

From the Chinese historical text 史記 (Records of the Grand Historian). A strategist used the phrase to persuade small states not to join a powerful coalition, arguing it is better to lead independently than to be a minor follower.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated