Nihongo Master Nihongo Master
Pricing Dictionary Blog

Meaning of 本末転倒(ほんまつてんとう) in Japanese

Japanese word definition and usage

本末転倒, 本末顛倒
Kana Reading
ほんまつてんとう
Romaji
honmatsutentō
Word Senses
  • Parts of speech
    noun (common) (futsuumeishi), noun or participle which takes the aux. verb suru, nouns which may take the genitive case particle `no`
    Meaning
    failing to properly evaluate the (relative) importance (of); putting the cart before the horse; mistaking the cause for the end; mistaking the insignificant for the essential; getting one's priorities backwards

Example Sentences

本末転倒, 本末顛倒, ほんまつてんとう used in context

Popular Study Lists

Study lists that include this entry

Related Kanji

Kanji found in this word

JLPT 3

overthrow, fall, collapse, drop, break down

On: トウ

Kun: たお.れる, -だお.れ, たお.す, さかさま, さかさ, さかしま

10 strokes

Learn more
JLPT 3

end, close, tip, powder, posterity

On: マツ, バツ

Kun: すえ

5 strokes

Learn more
JLPT 4

revolve, turn around, change

On: テン

Kun: ころ.がる, ころ.げる, ころ.がす, ころ.ぶ, まろ.ぶ, うたた, うつ.る, くる.めく

11 strokes

Learn more
JLPT 5

book, present, main, origin, true, real, counter for long cylindrical things

On: ホン

Kun: もと

5 strokes

Learn more

overturn, summit, origin

On: テン

Kun: いただき, たお.れる

19 strokes

Learn more

Go beyond looking it up

Turn every word you look up into a word you actually know

You found the word. Now make it stick. Nihongo Master connects the dictionary directly to your personal study system so one click is all it takes.

  • Save to personal study lists
  • Drill with spaced repetition until it sticks
  • Print handwriting practice sheets
  • Test yourself with skill quizzes
  • Track progress across every word you study
Start Free 7-Day Trial

No credit card required. Cancel anytime.

Earn with Nihongo Master

Love Japanese? Share it and get paid.

Join the Nihongo Master affiliate program. Share your link and earn 30% on every payment your referrals make, for as long as they stay subscribed.

  • 30% lifetime recurring commission
  • 60-day referral cookie
  • No approval needed — start right away
  • Monthly payouts via PayPal
Learn More About the Program