The Japanese word 土俵際 (どひょうぎわ - dohyōgiwa)

 The Japanese word 土俵際 (どひょうぎわ - dohyōgiwa) literally means "the edge of the sumo ring (dohyō)." However, it is frequently used metaphorically to describe a situation where someone or something is on the brink of failure, defeat, or collapse. It conveys a sense of being in a precarious position with little room for error.

Here's how to use 土俵際 in both its literal and metaphorical senses:

1. Literal Usage (Sumo Wrestling):

• To describe the physical edge of the sumo ring.
  • 「力士は土俵際で粘り強く体勢を立て直した。」 (Rikishi wa dohyōgiwa de nebarizuyoku taisei o tatenaoshita.) - The sumo wrestler tenaciously regained his posture at the edge of the ring.
  • 「審判は、彼の足が土俵際にかかっていたかどうかを確認した。」 (Shinpan wa, kare no ashi ga dohyōgiwa ni kakatte ita ka dou ka o kakunin shita.) - The referee checked whether his foot was on the edge of the ring.
  • 「土俵際での攻防は、観客を最も沸かせる場面の一つだ。」 (Dohyōgiwa de no koubou wa, kankyaku o mottomo wakaseru bamen no hitotsu da.) - Offensives and defensives at the edge of the ring are one of the scenes that most excite the audience.

2. Metaphorical Usage (Most Common):

• To describe a situation that is critical, on the verge of failure, or where someone is desperately trying to avoid defeat or collapse.
  • Business/Economy:
    • 「会社の業績は土俵際に立たされている。」 (Kaisha no gyouseki wa dohyōgiwa ni tatasarete iru.) - The company's performance is on the brink of collapse.
    • 「景気は土俵際で踏みとどまっている。」 (Keiki wa dohyōgiwa de fumitodomatte iru.) - The economy is just barely holding on.
    • 「新製品の売れ行きが伸びず、プロジェクトは土俵際だ。」 (Shinseihin no ureiki ga nobizu, purojekuto wa dohyōgiwa da.) - Sales of the new product aren't growing, and the project is on the verge of failure.
  • Personal Situations:
    • 「彼は試験で土俵際だったが、なんとか合格できた。」 (Kare wa shiken de dohyōgiwa datta ga, nantoka goukaku dekita.) - He was on the verge of failing the exam but managed to pass somehow.
    • 「夫婦関係は土俵際まで来ていたが、話し合いで持ち直した。」 (Fuufukankei wa dohyōgiwa made kite ita ga, hanashiai de mochinaoshita.) - Their marriage was on the brink of collapse but recovered through discussion.
    • 「病状は一時土俵際まで悪化したが、治療が功を奏した。」 (Byoujou wa ichiji dohyōgiwa made akka shita ga, chiryou ga kou o sou shita.) - His condition temporarily worsened to the brink of death, but the treatment was effective.
  • Sports (Outside Sumo):
    • 「試合は残り1分、チームは土俵際だ。」 (Shiai wa nokori ippun, chiimu wa dohyōgiwa da.) - With one minute left in the game, the team is on the verge of defeat.
    • 「彼は予選で土俵際だったが、最後の試技で逆転した。」 (Kare wa yosen de dohyōgiwa datta ga, saigo no shigi de gyakuten shita.) - He was on the verge of elimination in the qualifiers but made a comeback on his final attempt.

Key Points for Metaphorical Usage:

• Sense of Imminent Danger: 土俵際 conveys a feeling that failure or defeat is very close.
• Last Chance/Effort: Often implies that someone is making a final, desperate effort to avoid the negative outcome.
• Precarious Balance: Suggests a situation where things are hanging by a thread.
• Can be used for both individuals and organizations.

In summary, 土俵際 is a vivid Japanese word that literally refers to the edge of a sumo ring but is more commonly used metaphorically to describe a critical situation where someone or something is on the brink of failure or defeat. It's a powerful way to express a sense of being in a very precarious and decisive moment.